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UAE authority urges drivers to give way to emergency vehicles or face fine

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

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The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA) has launched a new road safety campaign, “Giving Way to Emergency Vehicles,” aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of allowing ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars swift access to accident scenes.

The initiative, developed under the guidance of the Joint Traffic Safety Committee, is a collaborative effort with the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters and the Department of Municipalities and Transport, represented by Abu Dhabi Mobility. It forms part of a wider government strategy to improve road safety and encourage greater public cooperation.

Reducing Emergency Response Times

Authorities emphasised that yielding to emergency vehicles is critical in life-threatening situations, where every second can make the difference between life and death. The Abu Dhabi Police stressed that unobstructed passage for emergency responders improves survival rates and ensures their safety while on duty.

The ADCDA reinforced this message, highlighting how quicker response times can significantly reduce damage in accidents and fires. Motorists are urged to pull over immediately upon hearing sirens or seeing flashing lights, ensuring a collective commitment to public safety.

Hefty Fine for Blocking Emergency Vehicles

Drivers in the UAE who fail to give way to emergency, ambulance, and police vehicles face a Dh3,000 fine, six traffic points, and 30 days of vehicle confiscation, authorities have warned.

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority (ADCDA) has launched the “Giving Way to Emergency Vehicles” campaign to raise awareness about the importance of yielding to emergency responders. The initiative, backed by the Abu Dhabi Police and Abu Dhabi Mobility, aims to reduce response times, save lives, and improve road safety.

Enhancing Public Awareness and Compliance

The campaign will educate drivers on traffic laws, responsible road behaviour, and the penalties for obstructing emergency vehicles. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) noted that the initiative also aims to foster social responsibility and build trust in emergency services, ultimately enhancing road safety and overall quality of life.

A multi-platform approach will be used to reach the public, including media campaigns, digital awareness drives, field events, and educational lectures. These efforts will target both motorists and pedestrians, reinforcing the need for compliance with safety regulations.

All year initiative

This initiative, which will continue throughout the year, is part of a joint action plan to enhance the concept of a safe transportation system on the roads. It also aligns with the leadership’s vision to improve quality of life and make Abu Dhabi a safer and more secure community through the cooperation of drivers and all road users to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

(Source: www.adcda.gov.ae)

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.

News

Salik’s next move: Smart parking coming to Dubai Silicon Oasis, DAFZ and Dubai CommerCity

Published

12 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Salik is taking another step beyond toll collection, announcing plans to introduce smart parking and vehicle access systems across three of Dubai’s major economic zones.

Under a new agreement with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the company will explore parking optimisation and access control solutions covering more than 21,000 parking spaces at Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity.

The proposed systems are designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, prevent misuse of parking spaces and make it easier for businesses, employees and visitors to move around the free zones.

The partnership marks the launch of a new business vertical for Salik as it continues expanding beyond its traditional road toll operations into wider mobility and digital transport services.

What will change?

The companies plan to integrate their technology platforms to create a connected parking and vehicle access system across the three zones.

Planned features include:

Smart parking management
Automated vehicle access control
Improved traffic flow within free zones
Better use of available parking spaces
Unified operating standards across all three locations

Which areas are covered?

The project will span:

Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ)
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai CommerCity

Together, the three locations offer more than 21,000 parking spaces serving businesses, residents, investors and visitors.

No timeline has yet been announced for when the new systems will be rolled out.

News

New UAE rule: Emirates ID renewal now allowed one year before expiry

Published

12 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE has doubled the early renewal period for Emirates ID cards, allowing renewals up to 12 months before expiry under a new decision by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Effective July 14, the change applies to UAE nationals for now.

Renew passport and Emirates ID together

The extended renewal window means citizens whose passport and Emirates ID expire around the same time can now renew both documents in a single transaction, reducing paperwork and saving time.

ICP said the initiative forms part of its strategy to simplify government services, improve customer experience and provide greater flexibility through digital services.

Supporting zero government bureaucracy

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said the decision reflects the UAE’s commitment to delivering proactive government services while giving citizens more flexibility to complete transactions at a time that suits them.

He added that the initiative supports the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme by reducing procedural steps, improving service integration and using advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline the customer journey.

The authority said the new policy is part of its wider effort to deliver integrated, digital-first government services while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in identity and public service innovation.

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Dubai warns media against publishing false news after Downtown explosion claim

Published

13 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai authorities have warned media organisations against publishing false or unverified reports after claims circulated that explosions had been heard in Downtown Dubai.

In a statement posted on X, the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) said the emirate would take the necessary legal measures against outlets that publish inaccurate information, in line with local and federal laws.

The warning came after a brief Reuters report cited witnesses claiming they had heard booms in Downtown Dubai on Thursday. The report did not identify the source of the sounds or confirm that any incident had taken place.

The Dubai Media Office rejected the claims, stating that no explosions had occurred in the Downtown area and describing the report as false.

Authorities also urged media organisations and the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid sharing rumours or unverified reports that could cause unnecessary confusion.

The statement reinforces Dubai’s long-standing approach to combating misinformation, particularly during fast-moving events, with authorities stressing the importance of accurate reporting and verification before publication.