Abu Dhabi Police are reminding motorists not to carry more passengers than their vehicle is designed for, warning that overcrowded cars significantly increase the risk of serious injuries and fatal crashes.

Officials said exceeding a vehicle’s approved passenger capacity can leave some occupants without seat belts, reduce the driver’s control of the vehicle and make accidents more likely.

Drivers have been urged to ensure every passenger is seated in a designated seat and wearing a seat belt before setting off.

Motorists caught carrying more passengers than permitted face a Dh500 fine, four black points on their driving licence and seven days of vehicle impoundment.

Abu Dhabi Police stressed that following passenger limits is a basic road safety requirement and reminded drivers that protecting everyone inside the vehicle is a shared responsibility.

The number of passengers per car: 

Most private cars and sedans allow up to 4 passengers plus the driver. Larger SUVs or vans can seat up to 6 to 7 passengers or more, depending on their registered design. 

Getting or renewing a driving licence in Dubai is about to become even easier.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its network of approved eye test centres by 30%, adding 100 new locations across the emirate during the first half of 2026. That brings the total number of approved centres to 434.

The move is designed to make one of the mandatory steps for obtaining or renewing a driving licence faster and more convenient as demand for licensing services continues to grow.

Motorists can complete the required vision test at any RTA-approved optical centre, ophthalmology clinic, participating driving institute or Customer Happiness Centre. Results are sent directly to the RTA through an integrated digital system, eliminating paperwork and reducing waiting times.

According to the RTA, the eye test typically takes between five and 10 minutes.

The authority recorded more than 854,000 electronically submitted eye test transactions during the first six months of 2026, highlighting the growing demand for the service.

With the expanded network and fully digital process, many motorists can now complete their eye test and renew their driving licence in a single visit. Once approved, the renewed licence is issued electronically and can be added directly to a smartphone’s digital wallet, with a physical card only needed if requested.

The expansion is part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to make licensing services quicker, simpler and more accessible for residents across Dubai.

1. Dubai is setting up a new committee to combat misinformation and fake news while strengthening clear, transparent communication about the emirate’s achievements.

The move follows a directive from Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

The new Dubai Media Narrative Committee will be chaired by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council.

The committee will shape Dubai’s official media narrative, define key communication priorities for government and private sector entities, and recommend policies and strategies to the Dubai Media Council for approval and implementation.

Sheikh Ahmed said a strong and credible media narrative has become an essential part of Dubai’s development journey, adding that the emirate’s creative and intellectual talent provides a solid foundation for telling Dubai’s story in line with the leadership’s vision.

The initiative aims to ensure accurate communication, counter false information and reinforce public confidence through a unified and transparent approach.