Horse patrol in Downtown Dubai this Eid Al Adha

Downtown Dubai’s ‘Eid in Dubai’ celebrations will now have an added feature – Dubai Police’s mounted horse patrols.

The horse patrol, which offers photo opportunities for visitors, will continue for four months starting with ‘Eid in Dubai’ celebrations.

Launched in 1967, Dubai Police’s horse patrols have helped manage events that draw large crowds. The introduction of mounted patrols in Downtown Dubai comes as the 500-acre development marks the two-week long ‘Eid in Dubai’ celebrations, followed by other events including the Downtown Dubai Parade to mark the UAE National Day, the Emirates Classic Car Festival, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, said: “We have one of the oldest mounted patrols in the region. With over 200 horses in our unit, the animals are trained to operate 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. Given the large number of people 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 an attraction for our visitors. Several of the horses have been gifted to the police unit by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Dubai Police has agreed 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 regular vehicular patrols.