Authorities have launched a nationwide programme to enhance the safety of e-scooter users and encourage riders to follow traffic rules.
The Federal Traffic Council, acting on behalf of the Ministry of Interior, introduced the Traffic Safety for E-scooter Users campaign, amid growing popularity of the mode of transport.
The initiative calls on people to use the electric vehicles on designated paths and zones and to wear helmets, knee pads and reflective clothing, especially when travelling at night.
Maj Gen Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, said the strategy will include safety messages being posted on social media — in Arabic, English and Urdu — while lectures and workshops will be organised.
"In our campaigns, we are keen to enhance awareness for all road users, including this category of electric bike users," said Maj Gen Al Zafeen.
Dubai expands E-scooter network
The safety drive comes after Dubai's government issued new regulations to promote the safe use of the two-wheelers.
E-scooters were permitted in 10 districts and cycling tracks from last month under plans to extend the network of electric vehicles across Dubai.
Two-thousand vehicles, operated by four companies, have been made available for rent in areas identified as most likely to benefit from greater access to e-scooters.
But people who do not have a full driving licence must apply for a free e-scooter permit and pass an online test, available online at www.rta.ae.
Riders must be at least 16 and helmets are mandatory.
Anyone caught riding an e-scooter without a driving licence or permit could face a Dh200 fine. Other fines are in place for offences such as failing to use to specific routes (Dh200), riding on roads with a speed limit above 60 kilometres per hour (Dh300) and riding or parking e-scooters on paths designated for walking or jogging (Dh200).
Safety is paramount as E-scooter use surges
In January, a task force was set up to help ensure the safe use of electric scooters across the UAE.
A committee comprising members of the Federal Traffic Council was formed in response to reports of reckless behaviour from riders.
The Federal Traffic Council does not have ultimate decision-making powers in each emirate, but can make recommendations based on its findings.
The committee was established to work closely with relevant authorities to develop plans to regulate their use.
“Forming the committee followed observations of e-scooters being used in unsafe places and of riders disturbing other road users,” said Brig Ahmed Al Naqbi, director of the traffic and patrols department at Ras Al Khaimah Police at the time.
“It's essential we organise the use of such vehicles through legislation that will protect members of the public.
“Their use should be restricted to the tracks dedicated for that purpose and users must wear protective gear, including helmets and reflective jackets, especially when driving at night.”
E-scooters key to green strategy
Authorities are keen to safely integrate e-scooters into the transport system as part of wider efforts to safeguard the environment.
An extended network of electric vehicles forms part of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
Launched in 2017, the strategy aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix from 25 per cent to 50 per cent by 2050 and reduce carbon footprint of power generation by 70 per cent.
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7.30pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m, Winner: AF Alwajel, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
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Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
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Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
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Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
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Manchester United 2 (Heaton (og) 42', Lindelof 64')
Aston Villa 2 (Grealish 11', Mings 66')
The biog
Favourite hobby: I love to sing but I don’t get to sing as much nowadays sadly.
Favourite book: Anything by Sidney Sheldon.
Favourite movie: The Exorcist 2. It is a big thing in our family to sit around together and watch horror movies, I love watching them.
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Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
MATCH INFO
Group B
Bayern Munich v Tottenham, midnight (Thursday)
england euro squad
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Defenders: John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Reece James (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
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Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
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Fixtures and results:
Wed, Aug 29:
- Malaysia bt Hong Kong by 3 wickets
- Oman bt Nepal by 7 wickets
- UAE bt Singapore by 215 runs
Thu, Aug 30: UAE v Nepal; Hong Kong v Singapore; Malaysia v Oman
Sat, Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong; Oman v Singapore; Malaysia v Nepal
Sun, Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman; Malaysia v UAE; Nepal v Singapore
Tue, Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore; UAE v Oman; Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu, Sep 6: Final
more from Janine di Giovanni
THE LOWDOWN
Photograph
Rating: 4/5
Produced by: Poetic License Motion Pictures; RSVP Movies
Director: Ritesh Batra
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Farrukh Jaffar, Deepak Chauhan, Vijay Raaz
UAE players with central contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Adnan Mufti, Mohammed Usman, Ghulam Shabbir, Ahmed Raza, Qadeer Ahmed, Amir Hayat, Mohammed Naveed and Imran Haider.
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Louis Tomlinson
3 out of 5 stars
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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