According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), schools in Dubai have not registered any fatal traffic accidents since 2010. In this regard, as the new academic year begins in the spring, RTA strongly urges parents and drivers to avoid double parking and unsafe drop-offs and pick-ups.
Since schools open for the 2026–2027 academic year on Tuesday, September 1st, RTA noted an increase in traffic flow near educational institutions during the first weeks. Drivers are advised to reduce speed, avoid dangerous overtaking, and use designated zones for picking up or dropping off students.
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the RTA Traffic and Roads Agency, stated that thanks to the implementation of awareness measures and engineering solutions developed in collaboration with public and private partners, Dubai schools have managed to maintain a record of zero road fatalities.
RTA data also showed that private cars remain one of the main modes of transport for students to school. A survey conducted among over 20,000 parents during the 2025–2026 academic year revealed that about 47 percent of students travel by private transport, while 44 percent use school buses. The remaining children walk, use public transport, or rely on individual and shared mobility options.
According to the survey results, 91 percent of parents reported using designated zones for student drop-off and pick-up in school areas. However, only 71 percent of parents stated full knowledge of the rules governing student drop-off and pick-up.
RTA warned parents against double parking outside schools, as this can obstruct traffic, reduce visibility, and put children at risk. Parents were also advised not to leave children in the middle of the road or in unofficial locations. Al Banna urged families to plan their route to school in advance and allocate enough time to avoid rushing during morning commutes.
Drivers were instructed to reduce speed when entering school zones, be prepared to stop at pedestrian crossings, and carefully watch out for children who may suddenly appear from behind parked cars. Furthermore, RTA reminded drivers not to use mobile phones or other distracting devices while driving. Al Banna emphasized: 'The safety of a student on the daily trip to and from school is a shared responsibility that starts at home and extends to the road, the school bus, and the area around the school.'
As part of the new academic year, RTA has resumed several road safety awareness programs. These include the 'Hello, My School' program for preschoolers and primary students, the 'Golden Rules for Generations' safety program, and the 'Virtual Driving License' program for high school students. These programs teach students how to cross roads safely, use pedestrian crossings, correctly use seat belts, behave safely when getting into and out of cars and school buses, and recognize danger zones around buses and vehicles.
RTA is also continuing to implement engineering improvements around schools, including modernizing entrances and exits, pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures, road signs, and markings. Additionally, the authority is expanding the use of digital and interactive materials, including QR codes that link students and parents to visual road safety content.