MUSCAT: The Royal Oman Police (ROP), represented by the Directorate-General of Traffic, has launched the week-long 38th Unified GCC Traffic Week 2026 under the slogan 'Cross Safely'.
The activities, which run until May 7 in Oman, were inaugurated on Sunday at the Mall of Oman by Eng Ahmed bin Said al Amri, Chairman of Muscat Municipality.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior ROP officials, alongside representatives from government and private sector entities. The initiative aims to promote traffic awareness and foster a culture of road safety among all road users, as part of a unified GCC effort to reduce accidents and minimise human and material losses.
Observed across GCC states, the annual campaign extends until May 9, while Oman’s programme focuses on achieving zero pedestrian fatalities. Emphasis is placed on using designated crossings, adhering to traffic signals, and avoiding risky behaviours such as jaywalking.
Authorities are also intensifying awareness efforts on safe driving practices, including avoiding mobile phone use while driving and ensuring seat-belt compliance.
The accompanying exhibition features participation from multiple government and private institutions. It includes interactive displays, awareness materials, and demonstrations of traffic safety applications, highlighting key statistics and ongoing initiatives by traffic safety institutes across various governorates.
Planned activities include awareness lectures in schools and workplaces, field outreach programmes for road users, and the use of both traditional and digital media platforms to maximise public engagement.
Speaking to the media, the chief guest underscored the importance of strengthening community awareness and enhancing overall road safety.
He noted that the week’s activities aim to reduce accident rates while reinforcing the concept of shared responsibility among community members.
A key focus this year is raising awareness about the dangers of crossing wadis during periods of rainfall. Authorities highlighted several tragic incidents in recent years, including fatalities during heavy rains in March 2026, the loss of at least 20 lives in April 2024, multiple deaths in Wadi Al Maddam in July 2025, and further casualties during severe flooding in Sur in October 2024.
“The majority of these fatalities occurred when vehicles were swept away while attempting to cross flowing wadis or low-lying areas. We aim to highlight how such risky behaviour can lead to devastating consequences for individuals, society, and the nation,” an ROP spokesperson said.
According to official figures, Oman recorded 107 pedestrian deaths in road traffic accidents in 2025, including 21 women. The fatalities were distributed across several governorates, with Muscat reporting 89 deaths, Dhofar (90), Al Dakhiliyah (99), Al Batinah North (72), Al Batinah South (64), and Al Dhahirah (51).
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