Tuesday, Nov 15, 2016

Dubai: Dubai Police on Tuesday said it will give safety tips to tourists and inform them about the country’s cultural and social norms.

Through a campaign ‘Civilisations’ Happiness’ launched on Tuesday, the police will reach out to tourists at airports and hotels, officials said.

Brigadier Mohammad Rashid Bin Surai, deputy director of the Criminal Investigation Department for administrative and control affairs, said the campaign aims to encourage tourists to contact tourism police on 800 CID (800243) in case of any issues.

“The UAE topped the list of safest countries in the world and the campaign has been launched to further confirm this and also aims to create better experiences for tourists.”

Organised under the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and the Tourist Police Department, the campaign’s activities will begin from December 1 up until March next year and will try to reach tourists at the airport, cruise terminals, shopping malls, beaches and other tourist destinations in the city, said Lt Col Dr Mubarak Saeed Salem Bin Nawwas, director of Tourist Police Department

“Brochures in both English and Arabic will be distributed on how tourists can stay safe at the hotel, at the beach, out in the dessert, in addition to other general safety tips they can use. The brochures also explain how they can contact us if anything goes wrong during their visit,” he said.

He added that “in addition to the toll-free number, we have our email touristpolice@dubaipolice.gov.ae which they can use to contact us for general inquiries or for complaints”.

The campaign is in coordination with multiple organisations such as the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai Economic Department (DED), Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding, Roads and Transport Authority and others, who will work together to spread awareness through cultural events or workshops.

According to Lt Col Bin Nawwas, the issues that face tourists are mainly a result of misunderstandings between them and other parties.

“We noticed that some tourists do not read the contracts they sign. For example, we’ve had tourists face issues with rent a car companies and they contact us to solve the problem. Other issues raised with us were related to their hotel bookings, which they mainly do through outside online accommodation booking websites.”

In any case, he said, they try to help tourists solve their issues and follow up to ensure they have left the country happy.

“Whether they were outside or inside the country, we will still work to solve their issue and ensure their rights are met.”

Dubai Police Campaign Brochure

Tourist guidelines and safety tips

At the hotel:

Avoid leaving valuables in the room and keep it in the hotel safety box or safe

When losing the key or room access card, report it to the hotel management immediately

Make sure your hotel room door is closed when leaving

Keep the hotel business card with you to remember contact details and address

Beach Safety

Always comply with warning signs, especially red flags, and only swim at approved beaches that are supervised by lifeguards

Don’t leave your valuables and belongings unattended at pools and beaches

Never leave children unattended around the water and do not entrust one child with the life of another

Excursions

Take a sufficient supply of water and mobile phone, leave a copy of travel plan with friends or family in the event of an emergency

Always pack first-aid kit

Out and About

Keep your bag and wallet where you can see it

Do not carry large amounts of cash, most international credit cards are accepted widely across Dubai

Ensure all withdrawal or changed money is done privately

Refrain from public displays of affection

Always lock your vehicle and never keep valuables inside

Don’t accept lifts from strangers. Use licensed taxis or other recognised forms of public transport, It sometimes helps to note down the number plate.

By Mary Achkhanian Staff Reporter

Gulf News 2016. All rights reserved.