Back to school in Sharjah: More patrols, bus checks and faster emergency response

Sharjah Police has unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance safety for students as they return to school in the 2026-2027 academic year. The initiative, involving multiple police departments and strategic partners, consists of intensified traffic patrols, bus inspections, and community outreach efforts. Major General Ibrahim Musabah Al Ajel, Director-General of the General Department of Comprehensive Police Stations, emphasized the importance of student safety and the need for early coordination between police forces and partners.

Traffic patrols will be reinforced at critical junctions near schools, particularly during peak departure and arrival times. Officers will manage vehicle flow to alleviate congestion and maintain seamless traffic movement for thousands of pupils returning to classrooms. The Operations Centre will bolster its readiness to receive reports, monitor situations, and coordinate with field teams and relevant authorities.

In addition to traffic control, Sharjah Police plans to conduct more thorough inspections of school buses. These checks will ensure compliance with safety standards and procedures. Drivers will also receive safety training to reinforce responsible practices when transporting children. The Ma’man service, a collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, enables drivers to report emergencies directly to the police Operations Centre from inside the bus, facilitating quicker emergency response.

To bolster safety awareness, police officers will conduct school visits at the start of the academic year. These visits will include lectures and programs focused on safety, responsible behavior, and teamwork. A public awareness campaign, titled "Our First Lesson is Safety," will be disseminated through Sharjah Police’s digital channels, targeting students, parents, and other road users.

Residents are advised to contact 999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergency matters and inquiries. Police officials emphasized the shared responsibility of keeping children safe during their commute to and from school.