Police chief tours Dubai's New Year's Eve command centre

Dubai's police chief toured a command centre set up to ensure the emirate's New Year's Eve celebrations are held in line with Covid-19 safety measures. Lt Gen Abdullah Al Marri was told how a sophisticated crowd management system will monitor thousands expected to gather at Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai as the New Year is ushered in with a spectacular fireworks, laser and lights show at the Burj Khalifa. The senior officer was briefed on the comprehensive New Year's Eve strategy, which includes the construction of three field hospitals in the area as well as medical support and isolation tents. About 4,000 Dubai Police officers will ensure the safety of New Year's Eve revellers across the emirate on Thursday. Officers will be stationed at 23 main locations where celebrations are being held. At least 2,000 patrol cars will roam the streets and 200 security points will be set up across the city. Police said they would use artificial intelligence to monitor the body temperatures of people attending the celebrations. On Sunday, Dubai Civil Defence and the emirate's Roads and Transport Authority shared a comprehensive plan to manage traffic and ensure compliance with safety measures. Roads near Burj Khalifa will close from 4pm on Thursday to prevent congestion and public transport schedules will be expanded to cater for crowds. Lt Gen Al Marri said this year's celebrations would be exceptional due to the challenges posed by the pandemic - prompting the need for authorities to come together to make for a safe and successful event. The inspection was carried out in the presence of Brig Saif Al Mazrouei, director of the General Department of Traffic and acting chairman of the Events Security Committee, Brig Abdullah bin Sorour, chairman of the Board of Directors of Police Stations, Brig Rashid bin Darwish Al Falasi, acting director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency, and a number of senior officers and security officials.

Police chief tours Dubai's New Year's Eve command centre

An operations room will be at the heart of a major effort to ensure the emirate's celebrations are held safely