Abu Dhabi, 05 August 2009: The Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA) in Abu Dhabi has begun the second phase of its 'Bihar' campaign to involve and educate the public about current maritime safety regulations. His Highness Staff Brigadier Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of CNIA, today inaugurated the new 'Bihar' booth at Marina Mall that will serve as a communication platform serving the Abu Dhabi community, answering the public's queries and offering safety tips and advice. 

Speaking at Marina Mall, HH Staff Brigadier Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan said: ''Bihar is the first campaign to educate about maritime safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and CNIA has launched this public information booth because we believe that it is vital to encourage an open dialogue and develop good relationships with the local community in order for us to be able to support people in enjoying our coastline safely.''

In addition to the public information booth, His Highness further announced that CNIA has launched a new website at www.bihar.ae which will act as a valuable reference point for professional and leisure boat owners, jet skiers, fishermen, swimmers, beach-goers and other users of Abu Dhabi's waters. Abu Dhabi maritime regulations and guidelines will be listed on the website, along with details on 996, the telephone number dedicated to report sea-based emergencies or suspicious activities that give the public cause for concern.

As a complement to www.bihar.ae, a new Facebook group has been launched where users of the social networking site can post questions on the maritime regulations and share information on how to stay safe at sea. The Facebook group, listed as 'Bihar - enjoying Abu Dhabi's waters safely', exists in both English and Arabic and is aimed at creating a dialogue with younger water users in the Emirate, many of whom use the site regularly.

The Bihar Booth is located on the ground floor of Marina Mall, next to Paris Gallery. For two weeks starting from today, CNIA staff will be on hand to address public queries about how to use the sea and beaches around Abu Dhabi safely, and to distribute information material on the maritime safety regulations.

Bihar, the first maritime safety campaign in the region, was launched in mid June and will continue until early September. The objective of Bihar is to increase public awareness of existing maritime guidelines concerning swimming, jet skiing, sailing and fishing, with the aim of protecting people and preserving the marine environment. The campaign includes advertising and local educational activities at local shopping malls and beaches.

-Ends-

About the Critical National Infrastructure Authority
The Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA) was established by royal decree in May 2007 and operates under the guidance of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and with the support of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The CNIA is charged with ensuring the security of the Emirate's critical assets, including onshore and offshore oil rigs, all energy and water facilities and its waters. It does so by employing world-leading human capital and technology, prudent leadership and facilitating partnerships with other federal and local government agencies and stakeholders.  

For more information please contact:
Ali Al Dalati
+971 50 751 9858
ali.dalati@ws-mena.com
Weber Shandwick

© Press Release 2009

 

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