DOHA: Preparations are in full-swing to ensure smooth and safe Eid Al Fitr holidays. Government agencies have urged travellers to follow security guidelines strictly to ensure a safe holiday. Police will add extra patrols and a large number of officers and civilians will be deployed in public places such as markets, shopping centres and beaches across the country.
Though Eid Al Fitr holidays for ministries, government entities and public institutions in Qatar will officially begin on July 3, the country slipped into a holiday mood from the June 30 weekend. The Ministry of Interior announced that police patrolling will be intensified in residential areas during the summer holidays. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Director of CID, said the administration is working to intensify patrols in residential areas, public places and commercial centres to prevent robbery, theft or any possible breach of law. He appealed to individuals and families who are planning their holidays outside the country to leave their valuables in their bank lockers. Families should make sure the doors and windows are locked properly before they leave their house.
Al Kaabi also advised people to park their vehicles in their garages rather than leaving them in public areas. Both Qataris and expats can contact their nearest police station and seek safety advise before leaving the country for holidays.
The Airport Security Administration has advised travellers not to accept luggage or packets from strangers while flying. Brig Essa Arar Rumaihi, Director of Airport Security Administration, urged all travellers to strictly adhere to airport security and safety guidelines. “Do not carry any prohibited materials while boarding the plane. Travellers are advised not to help strangers to carry their baggage. Passengers must cooperate with airport and security officials at any point of time during their travel”, he said.
Passengers have been advised to report at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. The Hamad International Airport (HIA) has made elaborate arrangements to handle the rush during the peak travel season. The airport has been seeing a heavy rush for the past two days. HIA has advised passengers to check-in online, arrive three hours prior to their flight and use E-gates to avoid queues.
The Peninsula
