Abu Dhabi Police has reminded motorists that they must come to a complete stop at least five metres away when a school bus activates its side-mounted stop sign arm. The rule applies to drivers approaching from both directions to ensure students can cross the road safely.

Penalties for violations

• Fine: Dh1,000
• 10 traffic points
• All violations will be detected electronically

Rules for school bus drivers
To avoid traffic disruption, bus drivers must follow these guidelines when using the stop arm:

• Stop directly in front of a student’s home (unless blocked by construction or obstacles).
• Avoid stopping at public bus stops on highways or major roads, which are unsafe for students.
• Do not activate the stop arm while a student is still inside the home.
• Misuse of stop arms, such as activating them in prohibited areas, may allow other drivers to contest violations.

Both drivers and bus operators must strictly follow school bus safety rules to protect children and ensure smooth traffic flow across the emirate.

Families in Dubai will soon have more education choices as the city’s private education sector continues its strong growth. For the 2025-26 academic year, 16 new early childhood centres (ECCs), six schools, and three international universities are set to open their doors.

More seats for students
Together, the new institutions will add more than 11,700 school seats and welcome over 2,400 children at early childhood centres, giving families more flexibility when choosing where to enrol their children.

New schools this year

• UK curriculum: GEMS School of Research and Innovation (Sports City), Victory Heights Primary School (City of Arabia), Dubai British School (Mira), Dubai English Speaking School (Academic City), and Al Fanar School (Nad Al Sheba).
• French curriculum: Lycée Français International School (Mudon).

Early learning options
The 16 new ECCs will cater to Dubai’s diverse communities with:

• 11 offering the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• 3 following the Creative Curriculum
• 1 Montessori centre
• 1 Maple Bear centre

Higher education expands
Three new international universities will also welcome students:

• Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) – ranked 27th globally in Business & Management (QS Rankings)
• American University of Beirut – ranked 237th globally (QS Rankings)
• Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences from Saudi Arabia

KHDA’s view
Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, said the expansion reflects investor confidence in Dubai and aligns with the city’s Education 33 Strategy. “By welcoming trusted operators and innovative models into more communities, we are creating new opportunities for our learners to thrive, while supporting Dubai’s long-term economic and social aspirations,” she said.

Number of institutions 

• 331 early childhood centres
• 233 schools
• 44 higher education institutions

Schools across the UAE will reopen on Monday, August 25, marking the start of a brand-new academic year. The first week is always full of excitement and a little chaos, with supplies to buy, uniforms to sort, and routines to adjust. In all the rush, safety can sometimes be overlooked. To make sure every journey to and from school stays stress-free, here’s a handy checklist of back-to-school safety tips for parents, students, and everyone involved in school transport.

For Parents:

• Always use designated drop-off and pick-up zones at schools, and avoid double parking.
• Ensure children wear seatbelts in cars and school buses.
• Teach kids to exit vehicles on the side facing the pavement, not the road.
• Set an example: avoid phone use while driving near schools.
• Leave early to prevent rushing, which often leads to unsafe driving.

For Students:

• Wait for the bus to stop completely before boarding or getting off.
• Cross the street only at pedestrian crossings and after checking both ways.
• Stay seated on the bus and follow the supervisor’s instructions.
• Avoid distractions (like loud music or phones) when walking near traffic.
• Always use zebra crossings or pedestrian bridges near schools.

Dubai Police training for school guards to boost safety

Dubai Police has trained more than 130 security guards across 38 GEMS Education schools on traffic safety and emergency response, ensuring safer drop-offs and pick-ups this academic year.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan stressed that guards are the first line of defence in protecting students, with training covering traffic flow, bus boarding safety, and quick response to incidents.

Takeaway for parents: Follow the directions of school security staff; they’ve been specially trained to keep traffic smooth and children safe.

Reminder from Authorities:
Dubai Police and RTA stress that following these simple steps helps protect lives, reduce accidents, and keep the school commute smooth and safe for everyone.

Leave home early – Beat the rush and avoid last-minute stress by planning extra travel time.

Follow traffic laws – Parents and bus drivers alike should slow down near schools, avoid blocking gates, and respect speed limits.

Use designated drop-off zones – Trust security guards’ directions; they’ve been specially trained by Dubai Police to manage traffic and ensure student safety.

Board buses safely – Wait until the bus has fully stopped, follow supervisors’ instructions, and use handrails.

Trust trained staff – School bus drivers and supervisors receive RTA training, while security guards are equipped by Dubai Police to manage emergencies and guide vehicles.

Stay connected – Keep in touch with bus supervisors and school staff so you always know your child’s whereabouts.

Be a role model – Remind children to buckle up, cross only at pedestrian zones, and listen to supervisors at all times.