An accident in Dubai during Ramadan last year. Police have reminded drivers to avoid speeding around iftar time and to always adhere to traffic rules. Photo: Dubai Police
An accident in Dubai during Ramadan last year. Police have reminded drivers to avoid speeding around iftar time and to always adhere to traffic rules. Photo: Dubai Police
An accident in Dubai during Ramadan last year. Police have reminded drivers to avoid speeding around iftar time and to always adhere to traffic rules. Photo: Dubai Police
An accident in Dubai during Ramadan last year. Police have reminded drivers to avoid speeding around iftar time and to always adhere to traffic rules. Photo: Dubai Police

Abu Dhabi Police urge motorists not to rush home to break fast


Salam Al Amir
  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi Police have issued a warning to motorists to be more careful when driving during Ramadan.

Drivers should avoid speeding — particularly around iftar time — and they must always adhere to traffic rules, authorities said.

“Leaving for your destination in good time, complying with speed limits, respecting rights of other road users, especially pedestrians, and not jumping red light signals, spare you from getting involved in traffic accidents,” said First Lt Awatif Al Bloushi.

Police said they would intensify traffic patrols across the emirate and near mosques, when it is time for taraweeh (night) prayers. Surveillance cameras will help to catch offenders.

Authorities in the UAE remind motorists every Ramadan that most traffic-related accidents are avoidable and happen in the minutes before iftar because drivers are in a hurry to get home to end their fast.

Traffic safety campaigns are regularly carried out across the country throughout the holy month.

Dubai also carries out its own campaigns and this has helped to reduce the number of road deaths during Ramadan over the past few years.

In 2016, during Ramadan, 62 people died on the roads in the emirate. This number went down to 51 in 2017, then 30 in 2018 and 10 in 2019.

A 2019 survey by Road Safety UAE found that male motorists above 40 years of age are especially vulnerable and that peak accident timings are during the pre-Iftar period, 2pm to 5pm, and the morning rush hour from 8-10am.

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Sand storm

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  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

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Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

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  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Aston martin DBX specs

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Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 542bhp

Torque: 700Nm

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Price: Dh848,000

On sale: Q2, 2020
 

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Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8

Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm

Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km

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On sale: now 

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Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

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Updated: April 03, 2022, 10:06 AM`