A large number of citizens, residents and visitors were surprised to see one of Abu Dhabi Police old patrols touring Abu Dhabi Corniche, Wave Breaker and Marina Mall, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the first Abu Dhabi Police patrol in April 1962.
In line with its constant communication with the public, the Security Media Department of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior, organized this campaign under the slogan “our past is our heritage and our heritage is our treasure”, in cooperation with The General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police Operations
People gathered around to watch the old patrol vehicle driven by one of the police members, wearing the old police uniform and distributing brochures to the public.
A number of the people expressed their happiness to see an old Abu Dhabi police patrol, noting that this was a big surprise that brings back old memories. Ahmad Ali Al Baloushi, an Emirati citizen, and a police member who happened to be there, said: “I was one of the drivers of the first Abu Dhabi Police patrol”. He added that the first Police Patrol vehicle who made its first appearance on April 1962, represented a significant event for the citizens and residents alike, who were impressed by the role the patrol played to guarantee safety and security in Abu Dhabi and organize the traffic in the streets.
Another Emirati citizen, Al Anoud Al Jaberi, commended on the continuous efforts of the Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters to promote security. She declared that she was surprised to know that Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters is still preserving the first patrol vehicle; which, in her opinion, demonstrates the attention of the governmental institutions to preserve their deep-rooted heritage.
On his part, Majed Ghuraib Al Utaibah, (an Emirati citizen), considered himself lucky to see the first patrol vehicle used by Abu Dhabi Police patrols, especially since he’s an old cars enthusiast and sees the passion for old cars as a select hobby.
He added: “Not many people are interested in old cars.” He also commended the commemoration of the event and said: “It’s a really good thing to see the Police Force take care of their old vehicles and celebrate them.”
Bassam Mahmoud Khaled (a Jordanian citizen) expressed his happiness to see the first Abu Dhabi Police patrol vehicle. He said that his father was a member of the Abu Dhabi Police, and seeing this car reminds him of his childhood, particularly the early seventies. Khaled commended this high-class civilized gesture in celebrating the anniversary of the first Abu Dhabi Police patrol, which strengthens the connection between the Police Forces and the society with its different components and nationalities.
Not only were the grown-ups happy to see the first patrol vehicle. The children were also pleased and they expressed innocently their thrill to see this old vehicle. A number of students from Khadija Primary School for girls entered the vehicle to explore it and make some photos. On the other hand, a number of the children of foreign expats from different nationalities expressed their admiration for this gesture by the Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters; which aims to remind the public of the importance of the police patrols in their life, and the role they play as a realistic symbol for safety and security in the society.