Abu Dhabi bomb scare ends as false alarm

A black metal box feared to be a bomb shut down the junction between Al Wahda Mall and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday just before 12.30pm.

An anonymous caller reported a "suspicious-looking" object on the pavement in front of SKMC's electricity building, reported The National.

According to Fahad Al Jabri, criminal investigator with Abu Dhabi Police, the Abu Dhabi bomb squad dispatched one of their remote-controlled robots, known as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal, which emits sonar waves to detect explosive materials.

Twenty minutes later, once it was clear that no explosives were present, the robot blew the box open. Inside was a variety of work tools, including screwdrivers and hammers.

The area around the junction of Airport Road and Defence Road was evacuated immediately after the phone tip-off. Traffic police diverted cars away from the area while officers on foot asked residents and workers to stay in their buildings. Ambulances and fire trucks were on standby for any emergencies.