Drivers across the UAE no longer need to carry printed driving licences or vehicle registration cards while on the road, after the Federal Traffic Council confirmed that officially issued digital versions are now recognised as complete legal alternatives.

According to the Ministry of Interior’s Federal Traffic Council, motorists can use electronic driving licences and vehicle registration cards through official smart applications, including the MOIUAE app and local authority platforms such as TAMM in Abu Dhabi.

The move is part of the UAE’s wider push towards digital transformation and paperless government services, allowing residents to access official traffic documents instantly through their smartphones.

Authorities said traffic officers can easily verify licence validity and vehicle ownership details electronically through integrated smart systems, reducing the need for physical document checks.

The UAE already allows residents to access a wide range of official documents digitally through platforms such as UAE PASS, while many drivers now choose electronic-only delivery for renewed licences and vehicle registrations.

However, authorities stressed that drivers must still ensure the digital documents are accessible through official government-approved applications when requested during inspections.

Under current traffic laws, failing to carry a driving licence or vehicle registration card can result in fines of Dh400 for each violation.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre have announced a massive new wave of infrastructure projects worth Dh55 billion across Abu Dhabi.

The projects, scheduled across 2026 and 2027, will introduce new roads, schools, healthcare centres, flood control systems and community facilities as the capital continues its rapid expansion.

Dh35 billion allocated to roads and transport

The biggest share of the investment is going into transport infrastructure, with around Dh35 billion earmarked for 11 major road developments.

Plans include:

• More than 300km of new roads
• Upgrades to tunnels and intersections
• Expanded traffic networks across the emirate
• Improved connectivity to key residential and commercial areas

For residents navigating heavy traffic around areas such as Yas Island and central Abu Dhabi, the upgrades are expected to ease congestion and improve travel times.

New schools, healthcare and sports facilities planned

The remaining Dh9 billion will focus on social infrastructure projects aimed at improving daily life for residents.

The plans include:

• New schools and universities
• Specialised healthcare centres
• Sports and recreational facilities
• Community-focused infrastructure developments

Officials said several earlier public-private partnership projects in Abu Dhabi, including Zayed City Schools and the emirate’s LED road lighting programme, have already received regional industry recognition.

Flood control and drainage systems upgrade

Another Dh11 billion will be invested into water infrastructure projects, including:

• Stormwater drainage systems
• Flood prevention networks
• Water storage facilities
• New dams and flood control infrastructure

The move comes after severe weather and flooding events across the UAE over the past year pushed drainage and climate resilience higher up the national agenda.

The latest announcement signals Abu Dhabi’s continued push to modernise infrastructure, support population growth and strengthen quality of life across the emirate.

Dubai Police has warned residents to stay alert against fake Hajj and Umrah campaigns circulating online ahead of the pilgrimage season.

The force’s Anti-Fraud Centre issued the warning as part of its ongoing ‘Be Aware of Fraud’ campaign, following a rise in fraudulent social media advertisements and fake travel offers targeting worshippers planning to perform Hajj or Umrah.

Fake offers and ‘guaranteed’ visas

According to Dubai Police, scammers are promoting fake pilgrimage packages through websites and social media platforms using:

• Deeply discounted prices
• Fake ‘guaranteed’ Hajj bookings
• False promises of urgent visas and permits
• Professional-looking websites and copied company logos

Victims are often asked to transfer advance payments to secure bookings, only for the fraudsters to disappear without providing any legitimate service.

Authorities said these types of scams typically increase in the weeks leading up to Hajj and Umrah, as residents search online for affordable travel deals and last-minute packages.

Fraudsters reportedly create fake accounts impersonating legitimate travel agencies and licensed operators to make their offers appear genuine.

Dubai Police urge residents to verify operators

Dubai Police stressed the importance of booking only through officially licensed and approved Hajj and Umrah operators authorised by the relevant authorities.

Residents are also warned against sharing personal or banking information with unknown entities online, regardless of how attractive the offers may seem.

Safety tips for residents

• Verify the travel agency’s licence and registration
• Avoid deals that seem unusually cheap
• Do not transfer money to personal bank accounts
• Double-check websites and social media pages
• Use official channels for Hajj and Umrah bookings