The Abu Dhabi Police GHQ took part in the inaugural ceremony held to kick off the events and activities of the 10-day Qasr Al Hosn Festival, celebrating 250 years of Emirati history and heritage, and ends on March 9, 2013.
For this end, Abu Dhabi Police chose to bring out its logo and uniforms, used in the early days of the Foundation stage in 1957; given that the history of police and public security in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi was a significant part of the United Arab Emirates’ history.
The audience interacted positively with ADP’s participation, which began with a military parade. They were also acquainted with the various stages of development of Abu Dhabi Police; the various tasks and roles of the police forces and guards during that period, who were the essential foundation to protect the homeland, maintain its gains and provide security for all citizens, residents and visitors alike.
The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Major General Khalil Dawood Badran, Director General of Finance and Services; and a number of senior officers.
Colonel Saif Al Shamsi, supervising officer in charge of the police participation in the Qasr Al Hosn Festival, stated: “Abu Dhabi Police GHQ participated with a military parade featuring a number of officers and recruits from the Police College. The parade marched from the Al Manhal Palace to Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, where it was greeted by two officers and 20 non-commissioned officers and civilians wearing the official 1957 logo and uniform, in a folkloric display of old police discipline”.
Colonel Al Shamsi added: “As part of the Festival, Abu Dhabi Police planned a miniature police station, representing the 1957 Police Department, which was originally located north of the Qasr Al Hosn. The miniature police station features old photographs showcasing the history, progress and prominent figures of the police. Police personnel, wearing the old logo and uniform, acquainted visitors with the tasks and duties they were entrusted with during that period, namely; maintaining public safety; fighting crime; enforcing regulations; supporting efficient performance; and achieving the required development and modernization”.
According to Colonel Al Shamsi, the audience enjoyed seeing police officers parading in formations, wearing their old uniforms, carrying on their tasks upon the directives of their commander, and establishing posts at the various land and sea areas and in the markets. The audience was also briefed on the former police mechanism. They were acquainted with how police personnel were trained on martial arts and combat techniques, as well as the ethics of social behavior, and security and community services. Moreover, the audience enjoyed a display of the old police cars used in that period.
Colonel Saif Al Shamsi indicated that Abu Dhabi Police has achieved unprecedented progress in all areas over the past decades of its establishment, which makes it the center of attention. It has followed the visions of its founder, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, who has supported Abu Dhabi Police’s progress and development process since its inception, and contributed to the country’s achievements, so as to assume its humanitarian role at various levels.
Moreover, Colonel Al Shamsi underscored that the police institution plays a vital role in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, to provide all means of stability and security to the country and its citizens, through its various departments and sections. It has also contributed, t