accidents-in-dubai-statistics

Exploring Traffic Accidents in Dubai: Statistics, Causes, and Prevention

| Last Updated: February 18, 2025
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Key Insights

• According to the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai has 540 cars for every 1,000 people on its roads.
• TomTom’s annual report shows that Dubai had an average congestion rate of 19% in 2020. This means that for every hour of driving, 11 minutes were spent in traffic. 
• From the same report, while morning rush hour traffic remains steady, it increases to 39% in the evening between 4 pm and 7 pm.
• In Dubai, April had the lowest congestion levels with only 6% congestion, while January saw the highest at 25%. This is largely due to students returning to school after winter break.
• Traffic accidents increased in 2023, rising from 3,945 in 2022 to 4,391. These accidents led to 352 fatalities, up slightly from 343 the previous year, which had been an all-time low due to quieter roads following the pandemic.
• In 2023, 5,568 people were injured in crashes, an increase from 5,045 the year before.

Dubai, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, still faces significant challenges related to road safety leading to traffic accidents. 

The city’s economic expansion and rising population have also increased vehicle ownership, intensifying road congestion and risks. 

In fact, the UAE’s car ownership rate is projected to rise significantly, reaching 22.2 vehicles per 1,000 people by 2028.

dubai-traffic-accidents-bar-graph

Dubai continues to have increased traffic accidents from 2020 to 2023. The city saw around 3,600 traffic accidents, highlighting the ongoing road safety challenge in the city. 

One of the biggest causes of accidents was not keeping a safe distance, which led to 683 injuries—the highest among all accident causes that year. 

uae-road-deaths-bar-graph

This chart shows the number of road deaths in the UAE from 2014 to 2021. From 2014 to 2016, road deaths were high, peaking at 725 in 2016. The 2014 (712) and 2015 (675) numbers were also significant.

A steady decline began in 2017, with deaths dropping to 525. This trend continued through 2018 (469), and 2019 (448), and reached the lowest in 2020 (256 deaths). 

In 2021, deaths increased to 381, likely due to the return of normal traffic after the pandemic restrictions.

The overall decline suggests improved road safety, but the rise in 2021 indicates that continued efforts are needed.

Common Causes of Accidents in Dubai

70% of fatalities and 64% of injuries were caused by 5 major violations: distracted driving, sudden deviation, tailgating, negligence and inattention, and poor lane discipline.

A trend noted in the report is the vulnerability of young drivers, especially those aged 19 to 29, who accounted for 38 percent of fatalities and 36 percent of injuries.

The same report highlighted that young drivers, especially those aged 19 to 29, are particularly vulnerable, making up 38% of fatalities and 36% of injuries. New drivers with less than a year of experience were also responsible for 15% of major accidents. 

Light vehicles involved 69% of fatal accidents, 12% involved motorcyclists, and 4% involved micro-mobility users like bikes, e-bikes, and scooters.

Moreover, the report revealed that 98% of accidents happened in good weather and on clear roads, showing that reckless driving—not environmental conditions—is the main cause of road incidents.

The report highlighted the streets with the highest traffic accidents as well, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Dubai’s Emirates Road.

Demographics of Accident Victims and Perpetrators in the UAE

Drivers aged 18 to 35 are involved in most accidents in the UAE, with young males overrepresented in crash statistics.

Given the country’s large expatriate population, a significant portion of accidents involve foreign drivers, reflecting the country’s diverse demographics.

Dubai, with an estimated population of 3.81 million as of December 2024, records the highest number of accidents. This is while Umm Al Quwain, the least populated emirate with around 59,098 residents, has the lowest.

Impact of Traffic Accidents in Dubai

Traffic accidents in Dubai have far-reaching consequences extending beyond immediate damage to vehicles. 

Accident victims suffer a range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. Some may face permanent disabilities, altering their quality of life.

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations also leave victims dependent on long-term medical care and rehabilitation.

Survivors often experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, impacting their ability to return to normal life.

The cost of treating accident victims also includes emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term medical treatment, placing financial strain on families and the healthcare system.

Additionally, losing a loved one or dealing with an injured family member can cause deep emotional distress. This often leads to long-term grief, financial hardship, and lifestyle changes.

For example, in 2024, an Emirati lost his limb due to reckless driving. His argument with his brother on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road escalated into a crash, changing the 22-year-old’s life. The impact left him with lasting injuries and legal consequences.

On top of that, accidents cause extensive damage to roads, traffic signals, and public and private property, leading to high repair and maintenance costs.

Other than that, a rise in accidents increases government spending on safety measures, medical care, and compensation claims.

Steps Taken by Dubai Government to Improve Road Safety

Dubai has made notable strides in improving road safety by combining technology, legislation, and awareness campaigns. 

The government, led by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police, has implemented smart traffic management systems, strict traffic laws, and extensive safety initiatives to reduce accidents and fatalities. 

For example, stricter penalties, including an AED 10,000 fine and jail for jaywalking, will take effect in March 2025.

AI-powered monitoring, traffic sensors, and automated violation detection also help manage congestion and enforce penalties. The Salik toll system and smart road infrastructure aim to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents.

Plus, the city is actively testing self-driving taxis, buses, and delivery robots, aiming for 25% of all transport to be autonomous by 2030. This removes human error—one of the leading causes of accidents—and could significantly improve road safety.

Moreover, mandatory seatbelt laws, a zero-tolerance DUI policy, and hefty fines for speeding, reckless driving, and red-light violations discourage dangerous behavior. Repeat offenders face license suspension and vehicle impoundment.

The “Because Your Life is Precious, Cross Safely” initiative by Dubai’s RTA also promotes pedestrian safety, targeting motorists, workers, and students. 

Accident Prevention and Safety Tips for Dubai Drivers

Driving in Dubai requires attentiveness and adherence to road safety guidelines. With high-speed highways, diverse driving styles, and busy urban roads, defensive driving and rule compliance are essential for reducing risks.

Speeding is a leading cause of accidents, so it’s best to follow posted speed limits, especially in school zones, residential areas, and highways with speed cameras.

Using mobile phones while driving significantly increases accident risk as well. Always focus on the road, use hands-free devices if necessary, and avoid multitasking while driving.

Ensure your car is roadworthy by checking brakes, tires, headlights, and fluid levels regularly too. A well-maintained vehicle reduces the chances of mechanical failures leading to accidents.

In urban areas, you should slow down near pedestrian crossings and cycling lanes. Delivery riders and cyclists are particularly vulnerable, so always check blind spots before changing lanes.

You may use this safe driving checklist before every trip:

  • Fasten your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do it too.
  • Adjust mirrors and check blind spots.
  • Follow speed limits and keep a safe following distance.
  • Avoid using your phone and stay focused on the road.
  • Be cautious in bad weather and high-traffic areas.

Comparing Dubai’s Road Safety with Global Cities

A French survey from 2019 ranked 100 cities worldwide based on safety and driving costs, placing Dubai as the second-best city globally for driving.

The report ranked Calgary, Canada as the best city for driving, followed by Ottawa, Canada, in third place and Bern, Switzerland, in fourth.

These results also showed that Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia had the highest road rage incidents, while Osaka, Japan had the lowest.

This study evaluated cities based on 3 key factors (infrastructure, safety, and costs) to determine the best places for driving.

To assess a city’s infrastructure, the study examined factors like cars per capita, traffic congestion, road and public transport quality, and air quality, reflecting the city’s commitment to clean air and good visibility.

For cost evaluation, the study considered fuel prices, annual road taxes, and purchasing power parity to gauge how affordable driving was for residents.

Future Outlook: Reducing Accidents in Dubai

Dubai is taking ambitious steps to enhance road safety and reduce accidents through advanced technology, policy reforms, and infrastructure improvements. 

The city’s long-term vision includes achieving zero road fatalities, integrating autonomous and electric vehicles, and expanding public transport networks to reduce congestion and reliance on private cars.

Dubai aims to achieve zero road fatalities by 2050 by combining safer road designs, strict traffic regulations, and smart technology. This initiative aligns with global efforts to create accident-free roads by minimizing human error and improving urban mobility.

Not only that, but the city is also accelerating its push for self-driving cars, taxis, and public transport by 2030. These vehicles are expected to reduce human error-related crashes, a leading cause of accidents. 

Dubai also had 25,929 electric vehicles (EVs) by December 2023, a significant rise from 15,100 in 2022, according to DEWA. This shift toward electric vehicles contributes to sustainability and safer driving experiences with advanced driver-assistance systems.

And to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety, Dubai is expanding metro, tram, and bus networks while promoting alternative transport like cycling and walking. 

Smart city initiatives also encourage ridesharing and eco-friendly mobility solutions to decrease the number of private vehicles on the road.

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