In a move aimed at improving road safety and easing the movement of heavy vehicles, Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced the removal of the 120kmph minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road (E311), one of the Emirate’s key intercity highways.

The change, which takes immediate effect, is part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to create a more flexible and inclusive traffic system, particularly for large transport vehicles that struggle to maintain higher speeds on long-haul routes.

Making Roads Safer and Smarter

Previously, motorists on E311 were required to maintain a minimum speed of 120kmph in designated lanes, a policy introduced to ensure consistent traffic flow and reduce lane-switching on high-speed roads. While the regulation was intended to streamline traffic, it posed challenges for certain vehicle categories, especially heavy trucks and older vehicles unable to sustain such speeds safely.

“The lifting of the minimum speed limit reflects a strategic shift toward enhancing road safety while accommodating the needs of all types of road users,” Abu Dhabi Mobility said in its announcement on Monday.

Officials stressed that the adjustment is expected to reduce pressure on drivers of heavy trucks and larger vehicles, many of whom faced difficulties adhering to the minimum speed, particularly when navigating inclines, exits, or merging with faster-moving traffic.

Focus on Heavy Vehicle Mobility

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road is a vital artery that connects Abu Dhabi to the northern emirates, supporting both daily commuters and long-distance freight movement. The route is heavily used by cargo trucks, making it essential for the capital’s logistics and supply chain operations.

Transport experts say the relaxed speed rule will offer heavy vehicle drivers more leeway, enabling them to travel at safer, more manageable speeds without fear of fines or disrupting the flow of traffic.

Maximum Speed Remains Unchanged

While the minimum speed requirement has been scrapped, the maximum speed limit on E311 remains unchanged. Drivers are still expected to follow posted limits, which vary depending on the section of the road and vehicle type. Enforcement of the speed cap will continue through smart monitoring systems and traffic patrols.

Motorists must remain vigilant

The decision is also aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Vision Zero strategy, an ambitious goal to eliminate road fatalities through smarter road design, improved enforcement, and inclusive mobility solutions.

Motorists are advised to remain vigilant, follow all traffic signs, and exercise caution—particularly during peak hours and in zones where multiple vehicle types share lanes.

Pakistani expatriates in the UAE can now enjoy enhanced digital security when managing their national identity documents, thanks to a new biometric verification feature introduced in the Pak ID mobile application by Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

The app, widely used by overseas Pakistanis to apply for Smart National Identity Cards and other official documents, now requires biometric authentication when users sign in from a new device. NADRA officials say the update is part of a broader initiative to safeguard personal data and prevent identity fraud.

Seamless ID Management – Now with Biometric Protection

The Pak ID app has been a game-changer for Pakistani citizens, especially for those living abroad. It allows users to apply for various types of identity cards and certificates, including the Smart National ID Card for Overseas Pakistanis, directly from their smartphones—eliminating the need for in-person visits to NADRA service centres.

With the latest upgrade, users will be prompted for biometric verification—such as a fingerprint scan—if they attempt to log in from a different device. NADRA has confirmed that this added security measure is designed to offer users an additional layer of protection.

“Biometric verification is now required when signing in from a new device,” the authority announced, adding that the move aims to enhance digital safety, especially for overseas users whose accounts may be more vulnerable to misuse.

Protecting User Data and Preventing Identity Theft

By integrating biometric security into the login process, NADRA aims to protect user accounts from unauthorised access, data breaches, and potential identity theft.

“Designed to protect citizens’ information, this new security feature helps prevent unauthorised access, identity theft, and misuse of Pak ID accounts,” NADRA said in a statement.

For the UAE’s large Pakistani expatriate community, the update comes as welcome news. Many rely on the Pak ID app to renew or apply for national ID documents, often without the convenience of visiting consular offices. The biometric feature ensures that their sensitive information is more secure than before.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced a groundbreaking initiative that will require all private schools in the emirate to implement an annual Parent-School Contract, beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year. This new requirement aims to establish clear expectations and mutual responsibilities between schools and parents, ensuring a more collaborative approach to student well-being and academic success.

Clear Expectations and Mutual Accountability

The Parent-School Contract will be mandatory for all parents before student enrolment or re-enrolment and must be signed each year. Schools that fail to comply with this regulation face legal consequences and potential penalties.

One of the central features of the contract is that parents must formally acknowledge and accept a wide range of school policies. These include expectations around student behavior, adherence to school values, responsible digital conduct, and cultural sensitivity. ADEK’s goal with this initiative is to ensure that all parties are aligned in their commitment to a positive and transparent educational experience.

Monitoring students’ progress

As part of the new policy, schools will be required to use multiple platforms — including emails, SMS, apps, and printed letters — to keep parents informed about their children’s progress. In emergencies, a group notification system must be in place to deliver urgent updates promptly, ensuring that parents are always kept in the loop.

In addition to these measures, schools are encouraged to engage parents in discussions around healthy nutrition and provide regular updates on student performance. Schools will also be required to facilitate direct communication with support staff, including counselors, inclusion assistants, and social workers, to address any academic or personal concerns a student may face.

Parent Code of Conduct: Upholding Values and Integrity

As part of the contract, parents will be expected to commit to a Code of Conduct that reflects the ethical and cultural values promoted by ADEK. Among the key expectations outlined in the contract are:

• Respect for the School’s Mission and Environment: Parents must engage with the school community in a professional and respectful manner, treating all members—including staff, students, security, and maintenance workers—with dignity.
• Support for Student Behavior Standards: Parents are expected to ensure that their children adhere to the school’s rules and discipline standards.
• Social Media Responsibility: The contract includes a provision that parents should avoid posting defamatory or culturally inappropriate content about school-related matters on social media.
• Academic Integrity: Parents must support their children’s academic efforts, supervise homework, and provide honest documentation and communication with the school.
• Engagement in School Activities: Parents are expected to attend parent-teacher meetings, cooperate with the school’s recommendations, and support additional learning interventions when necessary.

Failure to meet these expectations could result in restricted access to school premises, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship between families and schools.

Schools’ Responsibilities: Transparency and Support

Schools will also have specific obligations. These include maintaining open and respectful communication with parents, sharing curriculum details and assessment strategies, and encouraging active parental involvement in both academic and extracurricular activities.

Schools will be required to organise at least one parent-teacher meeting per term to ensure regular interaction between educators and families. They will also be expected to promote mental health awareness and digital well-being, fostering an environment that supports the holistic development of students. Additionally, schools must maintain fair, VAT-free fee structures and obtain parental consent before sharing student data with third parties.

A Step Towards Stronger Collaboration

The introduction of the Parent-School Contract marks a new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s educational landscape, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and mutual responsibility. By outlining clear expectations for both parents and schools, ADEK aims to create an environment that supports the well-being and academic growth of students while fostering stronger partnerships between families and educational institutions.