Recent statistics indicate that traffic accidents and fatalities in Dubai have experienced a remarkable decline of over 90 percent over the past 18 years.
The data reveals that the rate of road fatalities fell from 21.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2007 to just 1.8 in 2024. Pedestrian deaths decreased significantly from 9.5 to 0.3, and the overall ratio of fatalities and severe injuries went down from 36.2 to a mere 4. Furthermore, the mortality rate per 10,000 registered vehicles also saw a notable reduction from 4.2 to 0.45.
This progress was shared during a discussion between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Police, where they evaluated the advancements of the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy for 2022–2026 and assessed the road safety performance indicators for 2024. The overarching goal of the strategy is to achieve ‘Zero Fatalities’.
Collaborative Efforts
Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General of RTA, emphasized the continuous partnership between the two organizations, resulting in the implementation of 53 joint initiatives and programs in 2024, which have significantly contributed to reaching the reduction targets for fatalities.
Among these initiatives, 23 high-risk locations with frequent incidents were identified, 54 raised pedestrian crossings were installed, and various locations were upgraded to enhance the safety of users of soft mobility.
These 53 initiatives were categorized into four main pillars: 21 in road and vehicle engineering, 16 in systems and management, 11 in traffic education, and 5 in enforcement. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to develop a smart management system for public transport drivers to ensure increased safety in this sector.
Enforcement efforts have been intensified to improve adherence to regulations at pedestrian crossings, address high-risk violations, and promote the safe use of motorcycles, bicycles, and e-scooters.
Within the systems and management framework, Dubai has enacted legislation governing the operations of autonomous vehicles along with corresponding regulations. The system for tracking frequent incident locations has been enhanced, and work continues to improve the traffic incident reporting platform.
Educational Initiatives
Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, expressed that awareness campaigns have played a crucial role in achieving these positive outcomes. He highlighted their effectiveness in fostering road safety and encouraging compliance among motorists.
“Eight awareness campaigns impacted over 255,000 individuals,” he noted. “We produced more than 24 educational videos showcasing the serious repercussions of traffic violations, which have garnered over 117 million views.”
Collaborative efforts between the RTA and Dubai Police included 19 site assessments at truck rest areas and 85 awareness workshops and field visits aimed at delivery riders, reaching over 15,000 drivers. Additional campaigns focused on pedestrian safety engaged more than 10,000 workers and vehicle operators.