News

Dubai bans delivery bikes from using fast lanes starting November 1

Published

5 months ago

October 20, 2025

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Delivery bike riders in Dubai face sweeping new lane restrictions from November 1 as authorities crack down on a sector that recorded 962 traffic accidents in 2025 alone.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police have announced strict regulations prohibiting delivery motorcycles from using high-speed lanes, with penalties escalating to permit suspension for repeat offenders.

The new rules explained

Roads with 5+ lanes: Delivery bikes banned from the two leftmost lanes

Roads with 3-4 lanes: Delivery bikes are banned from the leftmost lane

Roads with 1-2 lanes: No restrictions, all lanes permitted

The restrictions take effect on November 1, 2025, with enforcement through fines, penalties, and eventual permit suspension for violators.

Why the crackdown

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, said data shows “a concerning rise in traffic accidents involving delivery motorcycles due to reckless and non-compliant riding behaviour on high-speed lanes.”

The numbers tell an alarming story of escalating danger:

Accidents:

2024: 854 traffic accidents involving delivery motorcycles
2025 (9 months): 962 accidents – already exceeding last year’s total

Violations:

2024: 70,166 traffic violations by delivery riders
2025 (9 months): 78,386 violations – 12% increase

The penalties

Violators face escalating fines and consequences:

Lane violations:

1st offence: Dh500 fine
2nd offence: Dh700 fine
3rd offence: Permit suspension

Speeding over 100 km/h:

1st offence: Dh200
2nd offence: Dh300
3rd offence: Dh400

The three-strike system means delivery riders who repeatedly violate lane restrictions will lose their ability to work entirely.

“Motorcycles are among the most vulnerable modes of transport to fatal accidents, given the absence of protective structures and the heightened risk of losing control at high speeds,” Major General Al Mazrouei explained.

Unlike cars with airbags, seatbelts, and protective frames, delivery riders are exposed to direct impact in crashes. High-speed lane accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the velocity involved.

The ban on fast-lane usage aims to reduce exposure to the most dangerous road conditions where speed differentials between vehicles are greatest.

How enforcement will work

Dubai Police and RTA will coordinate with the Department of Economy and Tourism and delivery companies to monitor compliance through:

Prohibitory signage on directional signboards indicating restricted lanes for commercial motorcycles
Traffic monitoring systems tracking lane usage
Violation recording linked to rider permits
Company accountability for rider behaviour

Signs will be installed alongside existing heavy vehicle restrictions, clearly marking which lanes are off-limits to delivery bikes.

The economic context

Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, emphasised that the regulations support rather than hinder the delivery sector’s growth.

“The delivery sector plays a key role in driving economic development and contributes effectively to enhancing service standards and achieving health, safety, and sustainability benchmarks,” Al Banna said.

Based on traffic studies

The lane restrictions weren’t arbitrary; they resulted from “specialised traffic studies and technical standards developed within RTA’s governance framework for this vital sector, ensuring alignment with global best practices,” according to Al Banna.

Over recent months, RTA held consultations with government entities, private sector partners, and consultancy firms to review procedures and establish safety criteria.

RTA will launch a “comprehensive public awareness campaign using diverse media and advertising channels, in collaboration with delivery companies operating in the emirate.”

The campaign aims to ensure all riders understand the new restrictions before enforcement begins on November 1.

Excellence awards for compliance

In a carrot-and-stick approach, Dubai Police and RTA announced that companies whose riders consistently comply with lane restrictions will be recognised in the “Delivery Sector Excellence Award” under the companies category.

The initiative aims to “foster healthy competition among delivery operators, enhance traffic safety for all road users, and strengthen adherence to traffic laws.”

What delivery riders must do

Before November 1:

Understand which lanes are restricted on routes you regularly use
Plan alternative routes if necessary
Attend any company briefings on the new rules
Review safe riding practices

From November 1:

Stay out of the restricted leftmost lanes
Maintain speeds appropriate for your lane
Follow all traffic laws to avoid a permit suspension
Report any unclear signage to the authorities

With accidents involving delivery bikes already up 13% year-over-year and violations climbing, Dubai authorities are taking decisive action to protect riders and other road users.

The lane restrictions represent a balance between supporting a vital economic sector and ensuring that growth doesn’t come at the cost of lives.

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Business

Dubai’s unified car rental contract explained: What residents and tourists must know

Published

1 hour ago

March 25, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is reinforcing stricter rules for car rentals across the emirate, and it’s good news for both residents and tourists.

At the heart of this move is a mandatory unified contract that all rental companies must follow. This contract standardises how rental agreements work, clearly laying out the rights and responsibilities of both renters and rental offices in a transparent way.

“We have also organised a series of awareness workshops for companies operating in the car rental sector across the emirate to familiarise them with the contract’s provisions, obligations, and implementation procedures,” said Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA.

What this means for drivers

Same rules everywhere
Whether you rent from a big brand or a small office, the same contract applies across Dubai, no more confusing or inconsistent terms.
Stronger consumer protection
The contract ensures:
- No hidden fees (like surprise toll charges)
- No unfair charges during accident repairs
- Mandatory refund of your security deposit within a set timeframe
Digital and secure process
Rentals are handled through the Transport Activities Rental System (TARS), with:
- Identity verification
- OTP-based digital signatures
- Secure, automated contracts
Proof of vehicle condition
Photos are taken at pickup and return, protecting you from disputes over damage.
Better awareness for renters
The system is designed to reduce complaints and help users, especially tourists, fully understand their rights before signing.

This move aligns with Dubai’s push to enhance trust and transparency in services, reinforcing its reputation as a well-regulated, customer-friendly destination.

News

UAE warns drivers: Fines up to Dh2,000, 23 black points for risky driving during heavy rains

Published

20 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Authorities across the UAE have issued a fresh warning to motorists, urging them to exercise extreme caution during ongoing unstable weather conditions. The reminder comes as part of efforts to enhance road safety and prevent accidents in high-risk areas such as valleys, flood zones, and near dams.

The UAE authorities emphasised that strict penalties are in place for violations during rainfall. Motorists found driving near valleys or flood-prone areas could face a fine of Dh1,000 along with 6 black points on their license.

More severe penalties apply to those who deliberately drive into flooded valleys, regardless of the water level or perceived danger. Offenders risk fines of up to Dh2,000, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment.

Additionally, authorities warned against obstructing emergency responders or traffic officials during adverse weather situations. Such actions could result in a Dh1,000 fine, 4 black points, and vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days.

Officials continue to urge drivers to prioritise safety, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions to prevent accidents and ensure smooth emergency response operations.

News

Rains in UAE: Free public parking extended in Sharjah amid unstable weather

Published

23 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Michael Gomes

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In response to ongoing unstable weather conditions, Sharjah City Municipality has announced an extension of its public parking fee exemption across the emirate. The decision, effective from Monday, March 23, will remain in place until further notice, offering temporary relief to residents and visitors.

The waiver applies to all standard public parking zones, including those that typically require payment on weekdays and official holidays. These areas are identifiable by blue informational signage installed throughout the city.

However, authorities clarified that smart parking yards are excluded from the exemption and will continue to operate under regular paid parking rules.

Officials have urged the public to stay informed through official communication channels, including the municipality’s social media platforms and helpline services, as weather conditions continue to evolve.

The move reflects Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to support public safety and convenience during periods of disruption, ensuring smoother mobility across the city.