Pedestrian rules in the UAE: Six things you need to know

Dubai: New pedestrian rules will be implemented from January 1, 2027, as Cabinet Resolution No. 174 of 2026 comes into effect. The Resolution covers road rules and traffic regulations that need to be followed by all road users – motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and those using other personal mobility vehicles like e-scooters. Article 5 of the Resolution looks at some basic rules that pedestrians need to follow to ensure their safety, as well as that of other road users. Six rules for pedestrians According to the Article on pedestrian obligations, pedestrians are required to follow these six rules: 1. Walk on the pavement on the side of the road; if there is no pavement, walk as far to the left as possible on the side of the road opposite the direction of traffic. It is permissible to walk on the far right-hand side of the carriageway in the direction of traffic, provided they are certain they are not at risk from vehicles approaching from behind. 2. The roadway must not be used for walking in groups or processions except with the permission of the Licensing Authority or the Traffic Control Authority. In such cases, participants must walk as close as possible to the edge of the roadway, in the direction of traffic, and use appropriate signals to alert other road users to the presence of the group or procession. 3. When crossing the road, you must use the nearest pedestrian crossing, if available. Check that there are no hazards or obstructions to traffic flow, and do not stand on the road unless absolutely necessary. 4. When crossing the road at pedestrian crossings, pedestrians must observe the following: a. If the crossing is equipped with pedestrian traffic signals, pedestrians must obey those signals. b. If the crossing is not equipped with pedestrian traffic signals, and the movement of vehicles at that crossing is regulated by traffic lights or by a police officer, pedestrians are not permitted to cross the road as long as the traffic light or the police officer’s signal allows vehicles to proceed. 5. Pedestrians must not cut through military formations, organised groups or authorised processions. 6. Groups or processions of pedestrians must use lights or reflective devices when walking along the side of the road at night. When you may be fined The Cabinet Resolution comes as an executive regulation to the Federal Traffic Law - Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 ‘Regarding traffic management’. The law itself establishes three important principles that pedestrians need to keep in mind: They must not stop in the middle of the road or cross it except at designated locations. Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing roads where the speed limit exceeds 80km/h. Pedestrians may bear civil or criminal liability for failing to comply. Article 7 of the Federal Traffic Law states that pedestrians can face fines of up to AED 10,000 for causing accidents due to jaywalking, which is the act of crossing a road from an undesignated area. Rules for motorists The Cabinet Resolution also covers some basic rules that motorists need to follow to ensure the safety of pedestrians, particularly in residential neighbourhoods and school zones. Article 8 of the Resolution covers rules relating to road use, right of way and speed limits, and requires a motorist to comply with the following rules: Vehicles must not be driven in inner residential areas and around educational establishments and hospitals in a manner that causes a nuisance or endangers the lives of others; the speed limit in inner residential areas shall not exceed 40 km/h, with the speed limit indicated by clear signs and road signs. Not to endanger pedestrians walking on the pavement or crossing the road. Slow down when changing direction to turn onto another road, and give way to pedestrians who have started to cross the road. Slow down at pedestrian crossings or in front of schools or hospitals. Slow down or stop if necessary to allow school buses or public transport vehicles to make the necessary manoeuvres for pupils or passengers to board or alight; you must not obstruct or inconvenience them, nor should you drive between these vehicles and the kerb.