From smart patrols to digital fines: How Dubai Police is stepping up the road safety game

Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website

Dubai Police has unveiled a set of specialised strategies aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing traffic accidents across the emirate. These include a joint road safety initiative with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and two dedicated programs designed to cut accidents and foster a safer traffic environment for all.

The strategies were reviewed during a visit by Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, to the General Department of Traffic as part of the annual inspection programme. He was accompanied by Major General Hareb Muhammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Sector, Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, and senior officers from the department, a Dubai Media Office report said.

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During the inspection, the Traffic Department highlighted its latest accomplishments, signaling a strong commitment to innovation and global standards. Notable achievements include joining the International Organisation for the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR), earning international accreditation from IDEALEST, and certifying four ACTAR experts among Dubai Police personnel.

In addition, the department has launched innovative initiatives, including a smart operations room and registering twenty intellectual works related to safe driving and road safety. These steps mark a significant leap forward in adopting technology-driven approaches to traffic management.

New projects and digital solutions

Dubai Police also outlined several major projects currently under development. These include a unified smart system to manage traffic violations, the Wasl project linking traffic systems with local partners, a new digital platform for fines, and a driver behaviour monitoring system. Another initiative, Area 56, promises a fully digital environment to support traffic operations, reinforcing the department’s focus on efficiency and data-driven solutions.

With Dubai’s population approaching 8.55 million in 2024, the challenge of managing daily traffic remains critical. In 2024 alone, 157 people lost their lives in traffic accidents, with primary causes including sudden swerving, failure to maintain safe distances, negligence, illegal stopping, and running red lights.

Dubai Police continues to enhance public awareness through campaigns reaching millions of residents. Last year, traffic awareness initiatives reached more than 20 million people via digital and field channels, while social media content alone garnered over 1.8 billion views in 2024. These figures underscore the power of digital messaging in promoting safe driving practices.

Further strengthening traffic enforcement, Dubai Police has activated electronic integration with traffic systems across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This development facilitates seamless exchange of information and the processing of traffic violations between the UAE and neighbouring states.

Targeted initiatives for delivery motorcycle riders were also launched in partnership with government and private entities. These campaigns resulted in a 19.4% increase in recorded violations in 2024, totaling 27,353 offences, demonstrating a proactive approach to specific high-risk groups.

Looking ahead: Smarter roads and safer cities

The department acknowledged the challenges posed by Dubai’s growing population, increasing number of vehicles, and the imminent introduction of self-driving cars. Dubai Police affirmed its readiness to adopt smarter, proactive solutions aligned with its 2033 vision of zero fatalities on the roads.

Lieutenant General Al Marri praised the Traffic Department’s accomplishments, emphasizing that Dubai Police remains committed to road safety through strategic planning, robust partnerships, advanced technologies, and continuous public awareness efforts. He also lauded the dedication of officers and staff, describing them as the backbone of traffic policing excellence.

He concluded that Dubai Police will continue to work as one unified team, ensuring Dubai remains a global model for traffic safety and innovation, protecting lives and creating safer roads for all.