UAE road safety and school zone initiatives

The United Arab Emirates has initiated several road safety campaigns aimed at reducing traffic incidents, particularly during the start of the academic year. The Ministry of Interior and the Federal Traffic Council launched the ‘Safe Road for Our Students’ campaign, which provides specific protocols for students, parents, and drivers to ensure secure boarding and disembarking from school buses. Abu Dhabi Police emphasized that motorists must stop at least five metres away when a school bus stop arm is extended, noting that violations incur a fine of AED 1,000 and 10 traffic points.

These efforts follow reports of high casualty rates linked to driver distraction. In Sharjah, police data indicated that distracted driving was responsible for 22 of the 33 road deaths in 2025, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the emirate’s fatalities. In response, Dubai authorities, including the Dubai Police and the Road and Transport Authority, are promoting the ‘Accident-Free Day’ initiative. This campaign targets school zones and encourages safer habits such as reducing speeds and avoiding distractions near school crossings and drop-off points.