The Sultanate of Oman has launched the 38th edition of Gulf Traffic Week 2026, an annual regional initiative aimed at improving road safety, with a particular focus this year on pedestrian protection. The campaign is taking place from May 3 to May 7 across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries under the theme “Cross Safely.”

Organized by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) in collaboration with traffic authorities throughout the GCC, the week’s activities in Oman are centred at the Mall of Oman, where the main awareness exhibition was inaugurated by Eng Ahmed bin Said al Amri, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, on Sunday. The General Directorate of Traffic is spearheading this exhibition, which forms part of a broader effort to reduce pedestrian-related accidents.

Lieutenant Colonel Saif bin Ahmed al Ramadhani, Director of the Executive Office at the National Committee for Road Safety, highlighted the campaign’s focus on safe pedestrian behaviour and responsible road use. He noted the specific hazard of crossing wadis during rainfall, a practice that has led to fatalities and property damage in Oman. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about such risks and encourage targeted safety measures.

Throughout the week, educational programs including school workshops, interactive exhibits, and media engagements are being held in various governorates to promote compliance with traffic signals and the use of designated pedestrian crossings. The event will also feature a discussion session scheduled for Tuesday at the General Directorate of Traffic, bringing together representatives from government agencies and private sector stakeholders involved in traffic safety.

Additional elements of the campaign include special displays by the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Guard, which will offer insights into broader pedestrian safety and traffic management challenges. Moreover, the ROP has introduced advanced AI-powered cameras to enforce traffic regulations, monitoring violations such as failure to wear seat belts and the use of mobile phones at the wheel.

This year's Gulf Traffic Week seeks to combine educational outreach with technological enforcement to foster safer road environments and reduce casualties related to pedestrian traffic across the Sultanate.