Addressing  a community awareness seminar at a Ramadan tent arranged by Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB), Al Hadidi thanked Sharjah ruler  Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for giving Sharjah Police the necessary authorization to fight and prevent this phenomenon.

“White arms” or “white weapons” is a common Arabic term for any non-firearm type weapon used for self-defense or killing which includes swords, daggers, sticks, and batons among others. Maj. Gen. Al Hadidi defined the term “white weapons” and explained how easy it is to use these weapons, especially among the youth and adolescents.

He pointed to the efforts exerted by Sharjah Police to curb the spread of this phenomenon, which rose sharply in 2008 but has seen a declined since then. He said that the collection and use of white weapons is prevalent among those suffering due to difficult social and economic conditions, particularly family disintegration and lack of parental control.

According to Al Hadidi, it is the responsibility of the entire community to address the issue of “white weapons” and other forms of violence within society, and this requires public and private institutions, as well as civil society organizations and the media, to work together to create awareness and increase community knowledge.