Service for select doctors
The ‘Wreiga’ service is offered to a select group of doctors in designated critical specialties when they are urgently summoned by hospitals for high-priority emergency cases. Its purpose is to ensure they reach hospitals (using their private vehicles) as quickly as possible by providing safe traffic exemptions that reduce delays caused by congestion, while maintaining their safety and that of road users. The initiative supports medical professionals in performing their vital roles and adhering to the highest safety standards during emergency response.
Colonel Dr. Saeed Mohammed Al Dhahouri, Director of Service Development at the Ministry of Interior, stated in a previous episode of the “Interior Ministry Podcast” that the service targets a specific group of doctors to facilitate their access to hospitals during emergency situations. He noted that doctors responding to emergency calls often face challenges on the road, which prompted the launch of this service to ensure they reach hospitals quickly and safely, without endangering themselves or other road users.
Al Dhahouri clarified that the service does not apply to all doctors, but is limited to those within vital medical specialties. A doctor may register for the service only after meeting several conditions, starting with being part of one of the 13 approved vital specialties. Other requirements include obtaining prior approval to use the service, holding a valid medical license, and completing a training course on driving during emergency situations.
How to register?
He explained the service mechanism, which begins when a doctor is called in by the hospital for an emergency case. The doctor logs into the ‘Wreiga’ service through the Ministry of Interior’s smart app and registers the emergency. The operations room is immediately notified and begins tracking the doctor’s route to the hospital, ensuring that any obstacles encountered along the way are addressed. Traffic patrols monitor the doctor’s movement and work to clear the path ahead, while also providing guidance and instructions through the operations room.
Before leaving for the hospital, the doctor must place a triangular green ‘lowah’ sign on the vehicle to indicate to road users that the driver is a doctor responding to an emergency, prompting them to give way and facilitate the doctor’s arrival at the hospital.
He pointed out that Ministerial Resolution No. 248 of 2020 regulates all exceptions related to the use of the road shoulder. Within this framework, doctors registered in the service are permitted certain exceptions, such as using the hard shoulder, driving in bus lanes, and exceeding the speed limit by up to 40km/h.
The ultimate purpose: Saving lives
Al Dhahouri emphasized that the ultimate purpose of the service is to save the life of a patient waiting in the hospital. While some may think the doctor is the primary beneficiary, the true beneficiary is the patient whose life may depend on the doctor’s timely arrival.
He added that the Ministry of Interior developed the service in collaboration with government healthcare entities and continues to enhance it. A joint committee and several agreements have been established to support ongoing improvement.
Al Dhahouri highlighted the high uptake of the service among eligible doctors, with 97 percent of the targeted group already registered. He added that the ministry aims to expand the service to include a broader range of doctors and has successfully reduced average response time by 30 percent.
He acknowledged that the service faced some challenges at the beginning, which is expected with any new initiative, but noted that continuous improvements have been made. The service has received wide praise from doctors using it, as well as from several GCC countries that have expressed interest in adopting a similar system.
Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News.
Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor.
A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London.
During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues.
Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt.
He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.