Dubai Police’s horse patrol clippety-clops in Downtown Dubai this Eid

• Set up in 1967, Dubai Police’s mounted patrols will also offer a unique photo opportunity for visitors to Downtown Dubai
• A highly efficient patrolling system to strengthen security during the festive period

Clippety-clop, the horses are here. Downtown Dubai’s Eid in Dubai celebrations will now have an added feature – Dubai Police’s mounted horse patrols.

Serving the dual purpose of strengthening security and offering visitors a unique photo opportunity, the new horse patrol will continue for four months starting with Eid in Dubai as part of security initiatives being rolled out ahead of the busy festive season in Dubai’s must-visit tourist and shopping destination.

Launched in 1967, Dubai Police’s horse patrols have served their effectiveness in managing events that draw large crowds. A proud tradition in policing around the world, the introduction of the mounted patrols in Downtown Dubai comes as the 500-acre lifestyle development marks the two-week long Eid in Dubai celebrations, followed by an array of events including the Downtown Dubai Parade to mark the UAE National Day celebrations, the Emirates Classic Car Festival, and the grand New Year’s Eve celebrations.

His Excellency Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said: “We have one of the oldest and most renowned mounted patrols in the region. With over 200 horses in our unit, the animals are elaborately trained to operate seamlessly in areas where large numbers of people congregate. With over 100 trained professionals, we have been offering security services for events such as endurance races as well as for Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises. It is our pleasure to work with Emaar Properties to strengthen security during Eid in Dubai celebrations in Downtown Dubai.”

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “We are delighted to welcome the mounted patrol of Dubai Police to Downtown Dubai, and are thankful to the authorities for their support. Ensuring the safety and security of our visitors is our top-most priority, and given the large number of people from around the world who come to Downtown Dubai, starting with Eid in Dubai, we have been looking at various initiatives to strengthen security.”

“Coming from one of the oldest stables in the UAE, the Dubai Police mounted patrol will also serve as a unique attraction for our visitors. Several of the horses have been gifted to the police unit by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Dubai Police has kindly consented that visitors can take photographs with the mounted police patrol,” he added.

Currently, the Dubai Police mounted patrol undertakes night patrols in some residential areas and the coastal belt, and is used particularly for sports events. They complement the role of the traditional vehicular patrolling service.

Downtown Dubai, described as ‘The Centre of Now’ is further gearing up for a busy period of festivity in the coming months, the celebrations starting with Eid in Dubai. The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination and a centrepiece of Downtown Dubai, will operate during the Eid in Dubai weekends for 24 hours offering shoppers and visitors an unprecedented retail and leisure experience.

Eid in Dubai celebrations is organised by the Dubai Events & Promotions Establishment (DEPE). Emaar is a Strategic Partner of DEPE’s events, which also include the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises. A range of entertainment is being planned by The Dubai Mall to mark Eid in Dubai. Roaming entertainment and special events highlighting the cultural traditions of the region will be part of the activities calendar.