The National Awareness Campaign for Safety and Security at Fuel Stations for Summer 2024, launched under the slogan "Safety is a Commitment, Not a Choice," has successfully concluded its activities. Organized by the Joint Committee for Safety and Security at Fuel Stations, under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and in collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Defense at the Ministry of Interior and leading petroleum companies in the country such as ENOC, ADNOC, and Emarat. The campaign ran throughout August 2024.
The campaign aimed to raise awareness among fuel station users in the country about the importance of following safety and security rules, especially during vehicle refueling. Over the course of the month, the campaign reached more than one million drivers and fuel station users, reflecting the wide reach and impact of the awareness messages provided.
In its conclusion, the campaign reported full compliance from fuel station users with the safety and security indicators promoted, which enhanced the culture of safety in the UAE community. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure emphasized the significance of this achievement in reinforcing the UAE's position as one of the safest countries in the world, aligning with the nation's vision for the next fifty years.
His Excellency Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Head of the Joint Committee for Safety and Security at Fuel Stations, said: “The campaign was a resounding success as it achieved its goal of raisin awareness of safety rulers at fuel stations. Thanks to the fruitful collaboration between the partners, the five editions of the campaign so far have significantly reduced the number of incidents associated with refueling.”
He instructed the partners to form a permanent committee for the awareness of safety and security at fuel stations, headed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Its members will include the General Directorate of Civil Defense at the Ministry of Interior, ADNOC Distribution, Emarat, and ENOC. Its mission will be to exchange experiences, align practices, prepare studies, and organize year-round awareness campaigns.
His Excellency Eng Al Olama said: “The campaign’s impressive outcomes underscore its importance in achieving the highest standards of safety at fuel stations. I am pleased to see that it was well received by the public and I thank everyone who contributed to its success.”
His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO of ENOC, said: “The results achieved by the campaign to date demonstrate the efforts made by the partners of the National Campaign for Security and Safety at Fuel Station to achieve the highest standards of safety at fuel stations. The success of this campaign reflects our collective commitment to securing a safe environment and highlights the positive interaction from the community that promotes a culture of safety and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures. We are proud of this partnership that enables us to achieve community awareness and safety, and we call on everyone to continue following these rules.”
On his part, Eng Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, praised the campaign, stating: “We at ADNOC Distribution are proud of the great success achieved by the National Safety and Security Campaign at Fuel Stations. This campaign has significantly contributed to raising awareness about the importance of safety and reducing incidents related to refueling operations. Effective cooperation between the public and the concerned entities was crucial in achieving these positive results. We will continue to work diligently to ensure a safe and sustainable environment, and we look forward to achieving more successes through collaboration with our partners and the community.”
Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Petroleum Company (Emarat), announced that the fifth edition of the national safety campaign has achieved even greater positive results and heightened engagement. This success reflects the seamless integration of national efforts and the collaborative work of all strategic partners. The campaign has played a pivotal role in increasing awareness among fuel station users and visitors about the essential safety and security protocols in place.
Major General Dr. Jassim Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Commander-in-Chief of Civil Defense, said: “Awareness campaigns are a vital aspect of preventive efforts in addition to the preparedness drives of the Civil Defense. The Ministry of Interior is pleased to collaborate with other campaign partners to spread a culture of prevention among fuel stations users and help educate them on the right practices to safeguard lives and property. We thank everyone that contributed to the success of the campaign.”
The importance of the safety and security campaign at fuel stations is evident in several crucial aspects. It plays a fundamental role in maintaining the safety of individuals and property. Fuel stations are sensitive areas that handle flammable materials, where any mistake or negligence could lead to serious incidents such as fires or explosions, putting the lives of drivers and workers at risk. Therefore, these campaigns are essential for educating everyone about the importance of following correct procedures to avoid such incidents.
Additionally, safeguarding property is crucial, as incidents at fuel stations can result in significant financial losses, whether to vehicles or the facilities themselves. Thus, the safety and security campaign at fuel stations is vital for raising awareness about the importance of protecting property.
Beyond that, the campaign aims to promote a culture of safety within the community by disseminating awareness messages and security guidelines. Such campaigns enhance safety culture among individuals, leading them to adopt correct behaviors not only within fuel stations but also in their daily lives.