For numerous parents and students in the UAE, the daily school drop-offs and pick-ups often result in traffic frustrations. However, amidst the chaos, traffic marshals frequently bring unexpected joy—sometimes even performing playful Moonwalks to ease the morning rush.
These dedicated individuals, who endure the scorching sun and unpredictable weather, are much more than just traffic guides. Over time, they have become beloved community figures—symbols of safety, efficiency, and joyfulness.
Behind the scenes, traffic marshals receive intensive training in safety, traffic management, and communication. During school holidays, they are either redeployed or granted vacation. Beyond their entertaining antics, these marshals are exceptionally well-trained professionals. To delve deeper into their training, shifts, and breaks, Khaleej Times spoke with several school leaders.
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Training, shifts, and breaks
Richard John Drew, Principal of Jumeira Baccalaureate School, stated, “We source our Traffic Marshalls from two main providers: Transguard, which supplies Traffic Marshalls as part of the Security Contract, and our internal Facilities team.
Transguard Traffic Marshalls receive training directly through the Transguard training program, while Facilities team Traffic Marshalls are trained at the ICSS Dubai Police Academy, followed by practical, on-site training conducted by Dubai Police at the school.”
Even though they adhere to strict safety protocols, sometimes their personalities shine through their duties. Drew added, “They use hand gestures as instructed by the Police, but Tony, the Facilities Manager, is famous for adding his flair—sometimes even executing an impressive Moonwalk.”
Always polite and respectful
However, the role is not without challenges. Drew noted, “They are instructed to remain polite and respectful at all times, reporting any issues or dangerous behaviors to the Operations team. All incidents must be logged in the occurrence book, and the escalation matrix must be followed according to protocol.”
Common challenges include high traffic volumes, drivers ignoring instructions out of frustration, and limited parking leading to congestion and unsafe practices. During school breaks, marshals are reassigned to maintenance and training or deployed to occasional events.
At GEMS Wesgreen International School in Sharjah, traffic duty has taken a creative turn. James McDonald, Principal/CEO, mentioned, “Some marshals use exaggerated gestures and friendly waves to enhance visibility and maintain positive engagement with students and drivers. At our school, it’s not just about directing traffic; it’s about fostering a welcoming environment. This has raised road safety awareness and is very popular within our community.”
Local sensation
In fact, one Wesgreen marshal, Ebai Brilliant, has become a local sensation. In February, Khaleej Times reported how Ebai turns traffic management into a full-blown performance, captivating audiences with electrifying dance moves. Instead of just signaling cars, he grooves and bends, holding up his signboard while entertaining students and parents alike.
Photo: Ebai Brilliant
Schools also ensure regular communication with their marshals through frequent meetings. Weekly or monthly evaluations between operations teams and head guards ensure feedback is shared, and challenges are addressed.
Emergency response
Seema Umar, Principal of Dewvale School, Dubai (Woodlem Education), commented, “Traffic marshals undergo training in safety and traffic control, which includes directing vehicles, managing pedestrian flow, and responding to emergencies. They are also trained in communication, basic first aid, and weather-specific safety protocols.
“We have four traffic marshals, and all are stationed outside the school daily during peak drop-off and pick-up times. Some of our marshals use distinctive hand gestures and bright-colored paddles to guide traffic. One even employs dance-like movements and rhythmic steps—not only to stay energetic during long shifts but also to capture drivers’ attention in a fun and memorable way. It’s become a light-hearted trademark that both students and parents appreciate.”
