In a refreshing break from the usual traffic enforcement routine, two Abu Dhabi police officers have taken to the streets not to issue fines, but to spread a little joy by rewarding safe drivers.
The ‘Happiness Patrol,’ led by Major Khaled Al Dhaheri and First Warrant Officer Omar Al Shehhi, embarked on their patrol on Monday morning, patrolling the city’s streets in search of motorists who demonstrated exemplary driving habits.
Driving a UAE-made Rabdan 4×4 adorned with bright colors and smiley faces, the police vehicle certainly stood out from the typical police cars patrolling the roads.
The festive look of the vehicle, combined with the flashing blue and red lights, caught the attention of many road users who, at first, could not believe their eyes.
“Our goal today is not to stop drivers for violations, but to reward those who are following the rules and driving safely,” said Major Al Dhaheri. “We want to promote a culture of road safety and good driving.”
As they drove along Abu Dhabi’s bustling Airport Road, the officers kept a keen eye on drivers, looking for those who followed the speed limit, used indicators properly, and kept a safe distance from other vehicles.
They soon came upon a taxi, and after signaling to the driver with their flashing lights, the officers were surprised when the taxi driver, initially confused, did not immediately pull over. It is not uncommon for drivers to mistake such encounters for potential fines.
“I thought the police car wanted to overtake me, so I moved aside,” explained Joseph Quayson, a 32-year-old Ghanaian taxi driver who was eventually stopped by the patrol. “But when they kept following me, I started getting worried. I was scared I had done something wrong.”
As Major Al Dhaheri approached Quayson’s taxi with a gift bag in hand, the driver could hardly believe it when the officer explained that he was being stopped not for a violation, but for his good driving.
“We are the Happiness Patrol, not like normal police patrols,” Major Al Dhaheri explained, offering the driver the gift. “We stopped you because you’re a good driver.”
Quayson, who had been driving in the UAE for five years, was initially stunned. The day before, he had been fined for changing lanes without signaling.
“I learned my lesson, and I was extra careful today,” Quayson said, smiling broadly as he accepted his unexpected gift. “I’ve never been stopped like this before. It’s a nice surprise.”
The patrol continued their journey, with the officers taking note of other drivers who were showing safe driving behavior.
A few minutes later, they came across a black BMW driving down the Corniche, adhering to the speed limit and signaling at every turn. Again, the officers activated their lights and signaled for the driver to pull over.
This time, the driver—Zohair Ksontini, a 50-year-old Tunisian executive—was equally perplexed. “At first, I thought I had done something wrong. When I saw the police lights behind me, I didn’t know where to stop,” he said.
However, when Major Al Dhaheri explained that he was being stopped for driving safely, Ksontini’s expression quickly turned to relief and joy.
“I’ve been in the UAE for a year, and this is the first time I’ve been stopped by the police,” he said. “It’s nice to know that the police are looking for good behavior too, not just violations.”
The officers continued their patrol, soon coming upon Uber driver Baiju Jayarajan, who had been driving in Abu Dhabi for 17 years. Jayarajan, who had never been stopped by the police, was surprised when he was pulled over by the Happiness Patrol.
“I thought they were stopping me for something serious,” he said, noting that he had once been questioned by CID a few years ago when he was returning home late from the cinema.
However, much to his surprise, the officers were there to commend him for his safe driving during a trip from Reem Island to Marina Villas.
Jayarajan’s passenger, Bianca Vagner, a 50-year-old German expat, had praised his cautious driving throughout their journey, and she too was pleased by the officers’ recognition of his safe driving.
“It was an unexpected experience,” Jayarajan said. “I never thought I would be stopped like this, but it makes me happy to know that the police appreciate good driving.”
For Ajith Kumar, a 55-year-old boat captain from India, the encounter was equally surprising. Initially bewildered, Kumar’s confusion turned to delight when Major Al Dhaheri explained that he had done nothing wrong. Kumar had been concerned that he might have been penalized for some minor violation, but he was soon reassured.
“I have been fined by speed cameras a few times, but this is the first time I have been stopped like this,” Kumar said with a grin.
The Happiness Patrol then traveled to the Al Khaleej Al Arabi highway, where they observed Sultan Al Zahmi, a 49-year-old Emirati, who was being particularly cautious while switching lanes.
After stopping him, Al Zahmi explained that he had heard of the Happiness Patrol before but did not recognize the officers right away.
“When they signaled for me to pull over, I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “It’s a good initiative. We should encourage more safe driving on the roads.”
The two-hour patrol eventually concluded in the Rabdan area, where the officers looked for a female driver who was following traffic regulations. However, despite their efforts, they were unable to find a female driver who fully met their criteria for the reward.
Undeterred, Major Al Dhaheri and Officer Al Shehhi continued their search, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the Happiness Patrol to promote safe driving in a positive and engaging way.
The initiative, which aims to encourage good behavior on the roads, highlights the importance of positive reinforcement rather than solely focusing on penalizing drivers.
The officers’ approach is a refreshing change in how law enforcement engages with the public, emphasizing the importance of good driving habits as a shared responsibility.
Abu Dhabi Police’s Happiness Patrol has become a symbol of how positive reinforcement can make a meaningful impact on road safety.
By recognizing and rewarding safe drivers, the patrol fosters a sense of community and mutual respect between law enforcement and residents, turning everyday road interactions into an opportunity for spreading happiness and goodwill.