Dubai:Heads of Dubai shopping and commercial centres have recently participated in the 'Ride with Dubai Police' initiative that seeks to raise public awareness on preventive measures against COVID-19.

The initiative, which has been active since the beginning of the National Sterilization Programme, aims at engaging community members in the government efforts to educate the public about the precautionary and preventive measures to combat the novel Coronavirus.

Lt. Colonel Ali Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations Unit in Deira said Dubai shopping and commercial centres consider are principle partners of Dubai Police in protecting the society from the novel virus since they deal with large crowds in enclosed spaces. Therefore, their cooperation in implementing announced precautionary measures, denying access to violators, performing thermal scanning to visitors, prohibiting gatherings, and promoting hygiene guidelines, is undoubtedly crucial. 

"In the spirit of strategic partnership, the heads of shopping and commercial centres were keen to represent this vital sector and encourage the concept of collective responsibility as promoted by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who said "Everyone is responsible," Al Suwaidi added.

In their turn, participants from Meraas, Nakheel Sales Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre, Aswaaq Mall, Al Ghurair Centre, City Centre Mirdif and Al Futtaim Group expressed their delight to be part of 'Ride with Dubai Bikers Unit' and to be part of the national efforts in the fight against this pandemic.