Muscat: During the Dhofar Khareef season, the Dhofar Governorate Police Command is playing an important role in maintaining the safety and security of visitors. The command is beefing up its security presence and deploying patrols around important tourist areas to preserve public order and ensure a quick, expert response to any events.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Akif Al Rawas, Director of Operations for the Dhofar Governorate Police, the governorate's operations center is open 24 hours a day. It receives and replies to a variety of reports, including traffic collisions and demands for aid, and collaborates closely with relevant civilian organizations.
According to Al Rawas, the majority of reports throughout the Khareef season are related to traffic accidents. He blamed this to some tourists' unfamiliarity with driving in mountainous regions, which are sometimes foggy. To tackle this, the Dhofar Governorate Police Command has established three temporary police stations in areas with a large influx of visitors: Al Mughsail Beach, Itin Plain, and Wadi Darbat.
Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed bin Saeed Ghawas, Deputy Director of Dhofar Traffic, presented a detailed traffic strategy. This strategy calls for sending patrols on major highways, roundabouts, and near event venues to control traffic flow and alleviate prospective congestion. Ghawas also mentioned the start of the seventh edition of the Traffic Awareness Exhibition at Salalah Gardens Mall, which aims to raise traffic safety awareness and discipline among the public.
Ghawas, on the other hand, noted various negative behaviors, including as irresponsible driving, stunt driving, driving on green spaces, children leaning out of car windows, and using mobile phones while driving. He said the division is taking severe action against these infractions and will enhance patrols to prevent similar incidents. He advised tourists to check their vehicles' condition, get enough rest, obey speed limits, keep safe distances, and use heavy gear when going down slopes.
Coast Guard Police is also a crucial component of the safety plan. Major Alawi bin Hafiz Al Haddad, Coast Guard Police's Deputy Commander in the Dhofar Governorate, verified the deployment of marine rescue patrols to popular beaches to boost field presence and ensure a swift response to incidents. Despite their persistent awareness efforts, which warn of large tides and powerful currents, some tourists are still observed swimming in hazardous situations or standing on the edge of rocky cliffs for photographs. Al Haddad also warned fishermen, noting the dangers of high waves and the failure to follow safety regulations. He confirmed that the Coast Guard has a specialized rescue team with qualified personnel and sophisticated equipment ready to respond to crises.
Furthermore, Major Khalifa bin Jumaa Al Quwaiti, Assistant Commander, stated that the Special Tasks Unit has enhanced security deployments at numerous tourist destinations and events. This team offers critical assistance to other police formations while also assuring swift intervention when needed. The mounted cops are also actively participating, utilizing their special flexibility to access places such as Atin Plain and Al Dahariz Beach that cars cannot, offering aid and resolving infractions.
At Salalah Airport, the General Directorate of Airport Security has stepped up efforts to handle the increased passenger flow. First Lieutenant Khalid bin Omar AlHumairi verified that teams are working to simplify entrance and departure processes in order to effectively manage the rising number of visitors.
In conclusion, the Royal Oman Police stated that the success of the Khareef season is a joint responsibility. They stressed the significance of public collaboration and compliance with regulations in order to provide a safe and unforgettable trip experience for everyone.
