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The federal traffic law effective since March 2025 requires pedestrians to use only designated crossing points such as marked zebra crossings, pedestrian bridges or tunnels. Pedestrians must also obey all traffic lights, road signs and directions from traffic police, according to the Emirates 24|7 guide published on August 20. They are prohibited from stopping in the middle of the road while crossing and from attempting to cross highways with speed limits of 80 kilometres per hour or higher outside permitted facilities.
Emirates 24|7 reported that crossing outside designated areas normally carries a fine of AED 400. However, if such crossing results in a traffic accident, the pedestrian can face imprisonment along with a fine ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 or either penalty. On high-speed roads, the violation can lead to at least three months in prison and a minimum fine of AED 10,000 or both, the publication stated.
Ministry of Interior figures show 1,102 pedestrian run-over accidents took place across the UAE in 2025. The Integrated Transport Centre data places the share of pedestrian accidents at 13 per cent of total crashes that year, down from 18 per cent in 2023. Road traffic fatalities in the country have decreased by 74 per cent since 2011, according to the ministry.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at authorised crossings by slowing down and stopping until the crossing is complete, a requirement under Article 5 of the federal law. Not giving priority to pedestrians at crossings results in a AED 500 fine and six black points, traffic violation schedules from the authorities indicate. Abu Dhabi Police reminded motorists in October 2024 that pedestrians have right of way in all residential, school and hospital zones where the speed limit is 40 km/h or less.
Ras Al Khaimah Police reported a 15 per cent reduction in pedestrian accidents during the first half of 2025. Brigadier General Ahmed Al Sam Al Naqbi attributed the improvement to smart monitoring, enforcement and awareness campaigns in an interview with Khaleej Times. Dubai Police launched a fresh pedestrian safety campaign in October 2026 that highlighted the AED 400 fine for unsafe crossing.
The Ministry of Interior issued more than 558,000 new driving licences in 2025 while continuing road safety initiatives that included pedestrian protection components. These campaigns urge both drivers and walkers to remain vigilant and follow the designated rules at all times. The updated federal decree-law aims to align UAE regulations with international best practices in transport safety.
