Residents of the United Arab Emirates increasingly use bicycles and electric scooters as daily transport, especially for last-mile solutions. In response, authorities in various emirates have begun implementing rules that regulate aspects such as minimum riding age, helmet usage requirements, and speed limits.
Despite their convenience, using bicycles and electric scooters in the country's urban environment involves real safety risks. Among the most common violations committed by cyclists are poor discipline on traffic lanes, night riding without lighting, and traveling on highways or main roads, which endangers users' lives.
Users of bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, and permitted mini-mobility vehicles (regardless of whether they are used for personal needs, delivery, or rental) face a fine of 200 dirhams for each of the following violations:
Driving on roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or higher without prior permission.
Failure to comply with safety requirements, road signs, and official instructions.
Not wearing a protective helmet, reflective vest, or appropriate clothing while riding.
Parking outside designated areas or leaving the vehicle in a way that obstructs the movement of cars or pedestrians.
Attaching a bicycle to traffic light poles or lampposts.
Failing to maintain a safe distance from bicycles, vehicles, or pedestrians ahead.
Not yielding to pedestrians or dismounting in prohibited areas and pedestrian crossings.
Carrying a passenger on a bicycle if it is not equipped with manufacturer-approved passenger gear.
Carrying a passenger on an electric or pedal scooter.
Overloading the bicycle, leading to loss of balance.
Performing actions that endanger the rider or those around them.
Using a siren or voice recorder in a manner that creates noise or disturbs others.
Using a mobile phone or other distracting devices while riding.
Wearing headphones that block ambient sounds while moving.
Riding against the direction of traffic (against the flow).
Traveling at a speed exceeding the established limit by 20 km/h.
Not reducing speed when entering and exiting roads, as well as pedestrian crossings.
Riding in dangerous weather conditions or zero visibility.
Holding onto a moving vehicle or trailer while cycling, e-biking, or scootering.
Not stopping at least 5 meters away from a stopped school bus.
A fine of 200 dirhams is imposed for each of the following violations for private and rented bicycles, as well as electric bicycles and scooters:
Using bicycles that do not meet approved technical specifications.
Failing to install a bell or audible warning device.
Failure to install:
A visible white front light.
A red rear light that operates at night and is connected to the brakes.
Reflectors on both the right and left sides.
Functional rear wheel brakes.
Using worn or weakened tires.
Incorrect fastening and tightening of bicycle cables and components.
Modifying or increasing the torque of bicycles, e-bikes, or scooters beyond the manufacturer's specifications.
The following activities are prohibited unless special permission is granted. Each such violation incurs a fine of 500 dirhams:
Traveling on pedestrian and running tracks.
Traveling on sidewalks, unless officially permitted by signs or markings.
Traveling on secondary and tertiary roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or higher, except for authorized groups approved by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and Abu Dhabi Police.
Traveling on bridges or in tunnels where there are no specially designated lanes for bicycles, e-bikes, or scooters.
Traveling in areas where permanent or temporary signs prohibit their use, including temporary event zones, regardless of ground markings permitting use.
With the launch of the UAE's national railway network just ten days ago, weekend trips in the United Arab Emirates have undergone significant changes. Passenger services now run three times a day between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, making a day trip to the eastern coast much easier.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Etihad Rail website or the Etihad Rail mobile application. Trips can be planned in advance—tickets are available for purchase up to four weeks ahead. Three fare options are offered: Saver, Value, and Flex.
The Saver option offers the lowest cost but does not allow for changes or refunds, and seats are allocated automatically. The Value option provides more flexibility, allowing free ticket changes up to 72 hours before departure; after this period, a change will cost 20 dirhams. The most flexible option, Flex, allows free changes up to 30 minutes before departure and guarantees a full refund if cancelled 24 hours before the trip.
Digital tickets are issued after booking confirmation, while physical terminals are available at stations. Starting prices are 55 dirhams for Comfort class and 120 dirhams for Premium class. Discounts are provided for children aged 2 to 17 and for seniors over 60 years old.
The Etihad Rail station in Abu Dhabi is located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. At the station, visitors are greeted by the Emirates Sands exhibition—a stylized 3D map of the planned railway network created from the sand of seven emirates.
There are several ways to reach the station. Passengers arriving by private car can use free parking for ticket holders, as well as dedicated zones for bicycles and electric scooters. Clearly marked taxi pick-up and drop-off points are also available.
An additional shuttle service costing 10 dirhams is available, running between the station and locations such as Reem Mall, Adnoc headquarters, and Adnec; this service must be booked when purchasing the train ticket. Passengers are advised to arrive at the station no later than 20 minutes before departure, and boarding usually opens 30 minutes before the train leaves. You must carry your tickets and an Emirates ID or passport for tourists.
Trains depart from Abu Dhabi three times a day. The morning service departs at 8:19 and arrives in Fujairah at 10:04 AM. The daytime service departs at 13:53 and reaches its destination at 15:38. The evening service departs at 18:39 and arrives at its destination at 20:24.
Trains depart from Fujairah back to Abu Dhabi: the morning service leaves at 5:34 and arrives at 7:19 AM, allowing passengers to see the sunrise. The mid-morning service departs at 10:59 and arrives at 12:44. The evening service departs at 17:28 and arrives at 19:13.
Since the first train from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah and the last return train provide about seven hours in the city, the Fujairah station is conveniently located near many attractions. Just a six-minute walk from the station is the Umbrella Beach Corniche, where you can swim or have lunch at one of the restaurants in the coastal complex.
Al Saqakam Castle is only a five-minute walk from the Fujairah station. This castle, situated on hilly terrain and consisting of a round watchtower, is presumed to have been built in the 19th century. It has been opened to the public after restoration.
For further travel into the center of Fujairah, passengers can take a taxi or rent a car at the station; the drive takes approximately 40–50 minutes. There are many places to visit in the city itself. The Bidiyah Mosque is the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE, and recent findings suggest it dates back to the 16th century. The building is constructed exclusively from local materials—stone, adobe brick, and gypsum—without using wood for roof support, preserving the original decorative elements and prayer areas of that era.
One of Fujairah's main attractions is Snupi Island. This hidden gem is named after a cartoon character and is popular for water sports. Those staying overnight in Fujairah can book diving around the rock.
For thrill-seekers, visiting Fujairah Adventure Park is recommended. This family park features an outdoor recreation area, well-marked walking trails, campsites, and relaxation zones.
No trip to Fujairah would be complete without a stop at the Friday Market in Masafih. Located about a 40-minute drive from the Etihad Rail station, the market offers everything: from local fruits and souvenirs to exquisite carpets and antiques. Haggling is customary here, and visitors often manage to find good deals.
With the launch of the UAE's national railway network, residents are beginning to rethink their habits regarding lifestyle, travel, and daily planning. Etihad Rail commenced operations on June 30th, connecting the Madinat Zayed station in Abu Dhabi with the Fujairah station.
The next phase of operation will begin on September 30th with the opening of stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid. Furthermore, the Sharjah station, located near the Emirate University City, is expected to become operational in March 2027. Ultimately, the network will span 900 km and connect 11 cities across all seven emirates, extending from Al Sila near the Saudi Arabian border to Al Dhaid in Sharjah, in addition to the existing connection between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
The station in Dubai, which will be situated in the Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE) area, will be a key element of this transport system. Located along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, it offers easy vehicular access and is approximately a 30-minute drive from Al Maktoum International Airport. Previously, Dubai Airport General Manager Paul Griffiths hinted at the possibility that passengers might be able to check in at the airport directly at the railway stations.
One of the main advantages of this station is its integration with Dubai's public transport. Passengers will be able to seamlessly transfer to the Dubai Metro via the JGE Metro station, which is adjacent to the Etihad Rail station. This station, part of the Red Line Metro, will provide travelers with vital connectivity to other parts of the emirate. By 2030, the service is expected to serve around 36.5 million passengers annually.
A train journey between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will take only 57 minutes on standard services, allowing for a reduction in travel time by 40 percent. This will enable residents to spend more time with family and enjoy the scenery. For business travelers, the train will provide productive working time thanks to onboard Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Connectivity options in JGE will become even more significant with the introduction of the Dubai Metro's Gold Line. This AED 34 billion project, approved by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will be Dubai's first fully underground metro line, spanning 42 km and featuring 18 stations.
The Gold Line integrates with Etihad Rail in Jumeirah Golf Estates. The project also includes a future station in Meydan, which will further facilitate seamless movement between the metro and the rail network. This transforms Jumeirah Golf Estates into a true multimodal transport hub. According to a map published by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, a pedestrian bridge is under construction to provide a direct link between the Etihad Rail station and the neighboring metro station, ensuring smooth transfers for passengers.
When the Gold Line opens on September 9, 2032, it will serve approximately 1.5 million residents, with a projected daily passenger flow of 465,000 people. In February 2024, RTA and Etihad Rail signed an agreement to develop solutions for ticket booking and fare payment through the nol system. This means passengers will be able to use their existing nol cards to pay for train travel, and the unified ticketing system will allow for transfers between the rail network, metro, buses, and taxis.
