Doha: The 37th Unified Gulf Traffic Week awareness exhibition for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries was launched Wednesday under the slogan "Drive Without A Phone" at Place Vendome Mall. The exhibition will run until April 18.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event was inaugurated by HE Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Technical and Specialized Affairs Major General Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sowaidi, in the presence of several department directors, officers from the Ministry of Interior, the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), and representatives of relevant entities.
The exhibition features a range of interactive activities, educational displays, and specialized booths showcasing the latest road safety technologies alongside brochures and educational materials.
On the occasion, HE Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Technical and Specialized Affairs stated that the celebration of the 37th Gulf Traffic Week embodies the cooperation among GCC countries to address traffic challenges with the aim of establishing traffic rules and ethics on a wide scale, raising awareness about road safety, and reducing accidents. This is achieved through active public engagement in Traffic Week activities, which carry profound messages.
He commended the efforts made in promoting road safety, preserving lives, and enhancing traffic education for all road users, particularly youth and novice drivers, leading to a noticeable reduction in fatalities and injuries compared to previous years.
His Excellency also praised the participation of civil society organizations in enhancing road safety, emphasizing that constructive collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and relevant entities has helped overcome the challenges posed by the rapid expansion of road networks, positioning Qatar as a pioneering model in this field. He pointed out that maintaining an advanced level of road safety requires collective efforts from individuals and institutions alike.
Director-General of Traffic Colonel Jabr Ali Al Kubaisi highlighted that the slogan "Drive Without A Phone" was chosen for the second consecutive year to address accidents caused by mobile phone usage while driving.
He noted that the celebration aims to raise community awareness about the dangers of this irresponsible behavior, which endangers lives and property.
He explained that the General Directorate of Traffic's celebration of Gulf Traffic Week reflects its steadfast commitment to achieving the Ministry of Interior's fourth strategic goal of improving road safety, alongside its seventh strategic goal of enhancing service quality.
He outlined the key achievements of recent years, especially in reducing fatalities and serious injuries from traffic accidents. He affirmed the General Directorate of Traffic's dedication to continuing its efforts to promote traffic culture among road users, stressing that reducing accidents is a shared responsibility requiring collective action from all members of society and institutions.
The awareness exhibition welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It includes smart screens providing traffic ethics instructions for individuals with hearing and speech impairments, interactive educational questions targeting different age groups, and panels reflecting Qatar's traffic movement dynamics.
Additionally, the exhibition hosts a series of awareness lectures aimed at various community groups to enhance understanding of traffic rules and the importance of safety. The General Directorate of Traffic has encouraged citizens and residents to visit the exhibition and benefit from the guidance offered.