Mum’s daily routine: Drop kid to school, clear traffic
ras al khaimah — An Emirati woman is on a mission to spread traffic awareness among residents. Every day, the Ras Al Khaimahbased woman drops her son off to school and then puts on a yellow reflective safety vest to help manage traffic in the area.
Amena Ali Eissa Al Marwi, a cancer patient, has been honoured by the Ras Al Khaimah Police for cooperating with them to regulate traffic in front of Ibn Al Qayem Elementary School.
A video released by the police on Monday shows Amena dressed in a traditional Emirati abaya in the midst of several vehicles in a parking lot. She is seen gesturing vehicles to stop, while letting others go till the parking lot is empty. It then cuts into a photo of MajorGeneral Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of the RAK Police, honouring her with an appreciation certificate. Speaking exclusively to Khaleej
Times, the widowed mother of five said she got permission from the school administration when she presented the idea. “I feel that all the students there are mine and I have to take care of them all and make sure they are safe.”
Her son chips in, too. “He is very proud of me and stands next to me, holding a book to note down the plate numbers of errant drivers.”
Talking about the challenge she faces, she said: “Some stubborn parents insist on breaking the rules and drive in the opposite direction,
or enter or exit illegally.”
The police chief hailed her voluntary work as “inspiring”. “Amena’s dedication to her community speaks volumes. She insisted on cooperating with the police in spreading traffic awareness and giving back to her community.”
During another ceremony, Brig Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations room, and Brigadier Ahmad Al Sam Al Naqbi, director of the traffic and patrols department, praised Amena in front of the school management and students.
Amena thanked the police for their “kind gesture”, but brushed off the praises she received. “This is nothing extraordinary, but rather a national and ethical duty towards our beloved community and country. The UAE deserves to be served by all means.”
She has a message for all motorists. “I urge all drivers to be patient and observe traffic rules. It’s said that ‘honesty is the best policy’, but I would say ‘safety is the best policy’ — let’s all cooperate to ensuring road safety.”
It’s said that ‘honesty is the best policy’, but I would say ‘safety is the best policy’ — let’s all cooperate to ensuring road safety.” Amena Ali Eissa Al Marwi, Emirati housewife