A three-vehicle collision on Al Khail Road has prompted Dubai Police to warn drivers that stopping in the middle of the road, even for fallen plates, can be a fatal mistake.

The incident

A driver stopped abruptly on Al Khail Road (heading toward Abu Dhabi) to retrieve a fallen license plate. A trailing motorist, failing to pay attention, struck the individual and two other vehicles.

• Casualties: One person sustained serious injuries; two others suffered moderate injuries.
• The Cause: Stopping in a live lane rather than moving to a safe shoulder.

Fines for stopping on the road

Authorities reminded the public that stopping in the middle of the road is a major violation. If you stop due to a breakdown, fuel shortage, or tyre failure, you face:

• Dh1,000 fine and 6 traffic points.
• Dh500 additional penalty for obstructing traffic flow.

What to do if you get stuck

Brigadier Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan advises that if your vehicle cannot be moved off the road, you must:

• Hazard Lights: Switch them on immediately.
• Warning Triangle: Place it at a safe distance behind the car.
• Evacuate: Get yourself and all passengers out of the car and away from the road.
• Call for Help: Contact the police immediately to secure the scene.

No car part or fallen item is worth your life. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before driving, and never prioritise property over personal safety on high-speed roads.

In a move to further slash waiting times for motorists, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art vehicle testing and registration centre in Al Qusais.

Operated by Al Mutakamela, the new facility is designed to provide a “qualitative shift” in how residents and businesses handle their annual vehicle inspections and registrations.

High capacity, modern tech

The centre is built to handle heavy daily volume, featuring:

• Seven dedicated lanes for light vehicles.
• One specialised lane for motorcycles.
• The latest automated inspection technologies to ensure every vehicle meets the UAE’s strict safety standards.

Focus on accessibility

The RTA emphasised that the Al Qusais centre has been specifically designed to be inclusive. Dedicated support staff are on hand to assist People of Determination and senior citizens (both Emiratis and residents), ensuring a seamless experience for those who may require extra help navigating the registration process.

Extended operating hours

One of the biggest advantages of the new Al Mutakamela centre is its extended operating schedule, catering to those who cannot visit during standard office hours.

• Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 7:30am – 10:30pm
• Friday: 7am – 12pm (Break for prayers) 3pm – 10:30pm
• Note: The centre is closed on Sundays.

By adding eight new lanes to the local infrastructure, the RTA is significantly reducing the pressure on existing centres in the area, meaning shorter queues and faster “Pass” certificates for thousands of car owners.

Whether you are an individual car owner or a business managing a commercial fleet, the new Al Mutakamela centre offers a high-tech, high-speed solution to your registration needs.

In a decisive step toward a sustainable future, Sharjah has officially regulated its electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Under Executive Council Resolution No. 15 of 2026, the Emirate has introduced a comprehensive framework that standardises charging prices while imposing strict penalties for “squatting” in charging bays.

Whether you drive a Tesla or a traditional petrol car, these new rules, effective immediately across all of Sharjah, including free zones, will change how you park and power up.

The cost of power

Gone are the days of price uncertainty. Sharjah has set a unified tariff for all public charging stations:

• Slow AC Charging: Dh0.7 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
• Fast DC Charging: Dh1.2 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). (Note: Both rates are subject to VAT).

The 10-minute rule

One of the most critical updates for EV owners is the introduction of a waiting fee. To ensure chargers remain available for everyone, motorists are granted a 10-minute grace period once their charging session ends.

• After 10 minutes, A fee of Dh2 per minute kicks in.
• The Cap: This fee is capped at 60 minutes, but don’t get comfortable leaving your car connected beyond this could result in a Dh1,000 fine.

The Dh1,000 ‘blocker’ fine

If you drive a non-electric vehicle, be warned: parking in an EV-designated spot or blocking access to a charger now carries a heavy Dh1,000 penalty.

Furthermore, Sharjah Police have been empowered to impound any vehicle (electric or non-electric) left in a charging space for more than 24 hours. The owner will be responsible for all towing and storage costs.

Strict licensing for property owners

For developers and private homeowners, the law is clear: installing or operating a charging station without prior approval from authorities like SEWA or the Sharjah RTA is illegal.

• Dh10,000 fine for operating without a license.
• Dh5,000 fine for failing to meet safety and technical standards.
• Dh2,000 fine for damaging any charging infrastructure (plus repair costs).

The implementation is a multi-agency effort involving SEWA, Bee’ah Group, Sharjah Police, and the RTA. By standardising digital payments and remote monitoring, Sharjah is ensuring that its infrastructure is ready for the 2026 surge in EV adoption.