Salama brings Formula 3 driver Basil Shaaban to Higher Colleges of Technology

The special event was held on April 6 and 7 in order to inspire young Emiratis to drive safely and responsibly, in support of the forthcoming United Nations Road Safety Week. On the second day, the UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, attended key parts of the training sessions.

For the occasion, Salama's partners pooled their resources to work towards their goal of improving road safety across the UAE. Salama is a partnership founded by the Emirates Foundation, Shell and Emirates Driving Company - with the support of the Ministry of Interior and the Health Authority Abu Dhabi.

Basil Shaaban commented:

"Through my professional driving experiences, I have become aware about my responsibility for improving road safety amongst youth in the region. My passion for this 'cause' has led to my role as a UN youth ambassador for road safety. I am grateful for being given the opportunity to meet the students in Abu Dhabi and I hope they have been motivated to put into practice the road safety principles that we discussed."

Both Shell and Emirates Driving Company provided tools to enable the students' hands-on participation at the event, including a 'seatbelt convincer' that enables a passenger to experience the actual force generated during a speed of 7km/h collision and the value of the restraint provided by the seat belt, 'head restraint' and driving simulator.

Maytha Al Habsi, the Emirates Foundation's Director of Communications and Public Awareness Programmes emphasized: "The aim of this event was to convey to Emirati youth tangible reasons for driving safely, using a peer-to-peer approach. As an experienced young Arab Formula 3 driver, Basil Shaaban was the ideal person to persuade students to change their behaviour on the roads."

Dr. Simon Jones, HCT Abu Dhabi Men's College Director, highlighted the importance of the Salama initiative, and the pioneering role played by the HCT student council in organizing this campaign at the College. He extended his thanks to Basil Shaaban and wished him all success in his forthcoming races.

Abu Dhabi Women's College Director Dr. Bradley Cook added: "We appreciate the initiative to reach our students with this important message, and ultimately to make us all safer,"

Emirates Driving Company General Manager Dr. Gehad Esbaita noted that Salama hoped to extend its collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology and other educational institutions so that young Emiratis become actively involved in improving road safety. He said: "Today's young generation should be addressed with the latest preventive methods, in order to trigger change in their behaviour on the road."

Irshad Lawati, Shell Deputy Managing Director stated: "We believe in investing in people and technology, and in sharing the learning and knowledge of our experiences. Our partnership in the Salama initiative is a demonstration of our belief that the safety of our young people is an important and integral part of our business in Abu Dhabi."