ADEN, Oct. 21 – In preparation for the Eid of Sacrifice, which begins Oct. 25, the Interior Ministry has developed a special security plan to maintain stability during the holiday season nationwide.

Omer Hulais, spokesperson of Aden’s security, said a security team, in coordination with the Tourism and Culture Office, prepared a complete plan aimed at protecting parks and beaches that witness a surge of visitors during Eid.

He said that he expects the number of tourists to Aden will increase over the course of Eid of Sacrifice.

Hulais said the security administration in Aden will work to stop weapons carrying in addition to controlling the use of fireworks .

“We have spread the traffic police in many districts of the city, particularly in overcrowded places to help ease the movement of the traffic.”

Hulais called on drivers to abide by traffic rules and to be cautious of traffic accidents that are commonplace during Eid occasions.

Deputy Tourism Minister Mutahar Taqi said he commended the efforts exerted by tourism establishments in Aden. He said the Tourism Ministry’s offices prepared for Eid by coordinating with the owners of tourism establishments in addition to the cooperation of the local councils.  

Taqi said the security situation is better this year compared to last year given the security forces have been tangibly improving, which reflects the increase in visitors.

Shabnam Ayoob, the promotion and sales department manager in Coral Hotel in Aden, said reservations have not largely increased as of yet, indicating that people are still concerned about the security situation in Aden given the events of recent months.

“Because of this, the hotel administration is thinking of adopting entertainment programs during the Eid holiday to draw in further visitors.”

 Waseem Al-Sharjabi said each year he visits Aden during Eid; however, he plans to spend Eid holiday this year in his village in Taiz.

“I am not going to visit Aden due to the unstable security situation.”

Al-Sharjabi called on the government to do its best to build further tourism attractions in Aden and to improve the situation of the whole governorate because it is one of the most inviting places in the country.