More than 600 bicycles and electric scooters were confiscated in Dubai over 13 days. Photo: Dubai Police
More than 600 bicycles and electric scooters were confiscated in Dubai over 13 days. Photo: Dubai Police
More than 600 bicycles and electric scooters were confiscated in Dubai over 13 days. Photo: Dubai Police
More than 600 bicycles and electric scooters were confiscated in Dubai over 13 days. Photo: Dubai Police

Dubai cracks down on reckless riders, seizing 640 e-scooters and cycles in 13 days


Salam Al Amir
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Dubai Police have confiscated 640 electric scooters and bicycles since the start of July as they take reckless riders who put lives at risk by disobeying traffic rules off the road.

Some were caught riding outside designated speed zones, on pedestrian crossings and against the traffic, and failing to wear safety vests and helmets.

Their complete disregard for traffic rules “caused confusion among drivers, and also posed significant risks to other road users”, said Maj Gen Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, assistant commander-in-chief for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police.

Police said a Dh300 ($81) fine will be imposed on those caught riding dangerously and on roads reserved for cars, with a speed limit exceeding 60kph.

Those taking pillion riders on their e-scooters will also face a fine of Dh300, and Dh200 for committing the same offence on a bicycle or e-scooter that is not equipped to take a pillion.

Riders who travel against traffic will face Dh200 in fines.

According to the regulations, anyone riding an e-scooter must have a permit from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority.

Riders younger than 16 are also not allowed an electric bike, e-scooter or any other type of bike specified by the RTA.

In March, the authority banned commuters on Dubai Metro and Tram from taking their e-scooters on-board, quoting safety regulations.

The Dubai Police's traffic safety campaign coincides with the rising popularity of e-scooters but risks remain.

In the first eight months of 2023, five riders were killed and 29 injured in accidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes in Dubai.

Police issued more than 10,000 fines to those who broke safety rules in the same period.

Talking about raising awareness among young riders, Thomas Edelmann, managing director of Road Safety UAE, said parents played a big role in educating them.

“Overall, we need strong rider education. The rules of wearing helmets, lights, and reflective vests are well-known but ignored.”

Dr Ali Ganai, a specialist in emergency medicine and sports medicine at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital, Dubai, said serious injuries caused by accidents involving e-scooter riders could be prevented by wearing a helmet.

“Helmets can dramatically reduce the risk of serious head injuries by over 50 per cent, so making the effort to wear a helmet each time you ride will guarantee a safer scooting experience,” he said.

“Electric scooter riders are more likely to suffer from concussions, skull fractures, and severe head injuries, which can lead to severe disabilities and, in some cases, death, which could be prevented by wearing a helmet.”

Maj Gen Al Ghaithi urged riders to stick to designated zones, wear safety gear and ensure their bikes are fitted with functional brakes, and bright lights and reflectors at the front and rear.

He also urged the public to report offenders using Dubai Police's app or by calling 901.

SPECS
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DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
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The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

3%20Body%20Problem
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Profile of MoneyFellows

Founder: Ahmed Wadi

Launched: 2016

Employees: 76

Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)

Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund

RIVER%20SPIRIT
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What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

MATCH DETAILS

Manchester United 3

Greenwood (21), Martial (33), Rashford (49)

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UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

Company%20Profile
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Updated: July 13, 2024, 11:43 AM`