The UAE’s border crossings in the emirate of Abu Dhabi have seen an increase of 30 per cent in the number of vehicles exiting the country during the summer, Abu Dhabi Police announced on Wednesday.

The majority of those leaving are travelling to Saudi Arabia and Oman for the summer holidays and pilgrimage (Umrah), with many also continuing their journey to other Gulf states such as Qatar and Bahrain.

Colonel Abdullah Saeed Al Daheri, director of the Security of Ports and Airports at Abu Dhabi Police, said that border officers had been doubled at the Ghuwaifat crossing with Saudi Arabia to handle the uptick in people leaving and to ensure a speedy process.

Col Al Daheri also said that the vehicles exiting the country included passenger cars, shuttle buses, and passenger buses. Inspections of the vehicles are also carried out at the border crossing to make sure the vehicle is in good condition for the journey, Col Al Daheri added.

Lieutenant Colonel Salim Saeed Al Ameri, Head of Hili Port Police, said the border crossings with Oman saw an average of 3,000 vehicles exiting the country daily, with 11,000 people being transported across the border.

Lt Col Al Ameri added that the border crossing facilities were able to let vehicles exit in only half-a-minute to ensure smooth traffic.