Motorists have been urged to stay alert and not drive if they are exhausted or drowsy during the month of Ramadan. Pawan Singh / The National
Motorists have been urged to stay alert and not drive if they are exhausted or drowsy during the month of Ramadan. Pawan Singh / The National
Motorists have been urged to stay alert and not drive if they are exhausted or drowsy during the month of Ramadan. Pawan Singh / The National
Motorists have been urged to stay alert and not drive if they are exhausted or drowsy during the month of Ramadan. Pawan Singh / The National

Transport

Ramadan 2021: Dubai motorists urged to stay alert on roads while fasting

The emirate's transport authority offers advice on how to stay safe while driving during the holy month

Patrick Ryan
Patrick Ryan
Dubai

April 27, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Motorists in Dubai have been urged not to drive in Ramadan if they are feeling tired.

The emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reminded residents to be aware of fatigue caused by changes to normal eating and sleeping habits.

An educational campaign was launched to highlight the dangers, which are particularly prevalent during rush hour.

Extra caution and attention is required when driving from the workplace back to home to avoid accidents

“The RTA will send awareness messages via social media channels, [web]sites, and messaging signs to raise the public awareness about safe driving during Ramadan,” said Maitha bin Adai, chief executive of the RTA's Traffic and Roads Agency.

“The variation of sleeping and duty timings during Ramadan tends to impact the attention of fasting motorists.

"This is visible at the time of driving from the workplace to home where the driver’s concentration drops to the minimum.

“This impacts the ability of the driver to take the proper decision at the right time. Therefore, extra caution and attention are required when driving from the workplace back home to avoid accidents.”

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Video: Abu Dhabi Police arrest three motorists for reckless driving

Abu Dhabi to ban heavy vehicles during peak hours in Ramadan

Ms bin Adai also asked motorists to keep cool during their commute.

“Most traffic accidents that take place in Ramadan are attributed to the lack of leaving a safe distance between vehicles,” she said.

“Drivers are therefore encouraged to leave enough distance between vehicles.

"They are advised to switch on air-conditioners while driving as the hot conditions [can] give rise to the feelings of exhaustion.

“The driver has to maintain an upright position while seated and keep the head raised while driving,” she said.

How to stay alert on the road during Ramadan

The RTA has flagged the afternoon commute as a potential hotspot for accidents during Ramadan, as drivers tend to be tired and hungry from fasting. Silvia Razgova / The National
The RTA has flagged the afternoon commute as a potential hotspot for accidents during Ramadan, as drivers tend to be tired and hungry from fasting. Silvia Razgova / The National
  1. Avoid driving after eating a heavy meal, especially after fasting
  2. Be patient and leave a safe distance from the vehicle in front
  3. Expect congestion and allow extra time to reach your destination
  4. Avoid getting involved in disputes with other motorists who are flouting traffic rules and stay in your lane
  5. Use public transport if you feel you will become tense while driving
  6. If you've parked and you're waiting for a passenger, make sure you stay awake. According to the RTA, sleeping inside a vehicle – with the windows closed and air-conditioning on – can cause suffocation and death in less than an hour due to air being recycled and possible exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.

Dubai Police swat teams in training

A Transport Security Department officer with Ayra, a German Shepherd police dog, at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. Reem Mohammed / The National
A Transport Security Department officer with Ayra, a German Shepherd police dog, at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. Reem Mohammed / The National
Cadets take a class at the Virtual Reality training room at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. The station uses virtual reality and simulation technologies to provide comprehensive scenario-based emergency training. Reem Mohammed / The National
Cadets take a class at the Virtual Reality training room at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. The station uses virtual reality and simulation technologies to provide comprehensive scenario-based emergency training. Reem Mohammed / The National
Capt Wahid Faraj at the Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. The facility is part of the Transport Security Department in Dubai, which aims to increase security efforts and the readiness of law enforcement personnel. Reem Mohammed / The National
Capt Wahid Faraj at the Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. The facility is part of the Transport Security Department in Dubai, which aims to increase security efforts and the readiness of law enforcement personnel. Reem Mohammed / The National
The VR training room at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training is used to replicate emergency scenarios for transport police and cadets. Reem Mohammed / The National
The VR training room at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training is used to replicate emergency scenarios for transport police and cadets. Reem Mohammed / The National
A Swat team officer prepares for action at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. Reem Mohammed / The National
A Swat team officer prepares for action at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. Reem Mohammed / The National
A K9 unit officer prepares Baby 2, a Belgian Malinois dog, for an emergency reconstruction at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. Reem Mohammed / The National
A K9 unit officer prepares Baby 2, a Belgian Malinois dog, for an emergency reconstruction at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. Reem Mohammed / The National
An armed terrorist scenario at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. The training facility aims to enhance security efforts in the city. Reem Mohammed / The National
An armed terrorist scenario at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. The training facility aims to enhance security efforts in the city. Reem Mohammed / The National
Capt Yaqoub Saleh, left, and Capt Wahid Faraj at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. Equipped with the latest tools, the station uses virtual reality and simulation technologies to provide comprehensive scenario-based emergency training. Reem Mohammed / The National
Capt Yaqoub Saleh, left, and Capt Wahid Faraj at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training. Equipped with the latest tools, the station uses virtual reality and simulation technologies to provide comprehensive scenario-based emergency training. Reem Mohammed / The National
The control centre at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training has access to more than 8,700 security cameras across Dubai's transport network. Reem Mohammed / The National
The control centre at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training has access to more than 8,700 security cameras across Dubai's transport network. Reem Mohammed / The National
A bomb shield protects a Swat officer at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training as they prepare for an emergency training drill. Reem Mohammed / The National
A bomb shield protects a Swat officer at Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training as they prepare for an emergency training drill. Reem Mohammed / The National
RESULTS

5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner: Yas Xmnsor, Sean Kirrane (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)

5.30pm: Falaj Hazza – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Arim W’Rsan, Dane O’Neill, Jaci Wickham

6pm: Al Basrah – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Kalifano De Ghazal, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi

6.30pm: Oud Al Touba – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Pharitz Oubai, Sean Kirrane, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7pm: Sieh bin Amaar – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Oxord, Richard Mullen, Abdalla Al Hammadi

7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: AF Ramz, Sean Kirrane, Khalifa Al Neyadi

8pm: Al Saad – Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Sea Skimmer, Gabriele Malune, Kareem Ramadan

NO OTHER LAND

Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal

Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham

Rating: 3.5/5

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UAE

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5

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6.

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7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

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RESULTS

6.30pm: Emirates Holidays Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Lady Snazz, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).

7.05pm: Arabian Adventures Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Zhou Storm, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

7.40pm: Emirates Skywards Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Rich And Famous, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8.15pm: Emirates Airline Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Rio Angie, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson.

8.50pm: Emirates Sky Cargo (TB) Dh 92,500 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Kinver Edge, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

9.15pm: Emirates.com (TB) Dh 95,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Firnas, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.

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Fifa Club World Cup:

When: December 6-16
Where: Games to take place at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi and Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain
Defending champions: Real Madrid

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The specs

Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder

Transmission: 7-speed auto

0-100kmh 2.3 seconds

0-200kmh 5.5 seconds

0-300kmh 11.6 seconds

Power: 1500hp

Torque: 1600Nm

Price: Dh13,400,000

On sale: now

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Concrete and Gold
Foo Fighters
RCA records

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)

Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)

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)

Scorebox

Dubai Sports City Eagles 7 Bahrain 88

Eagles

Try: Penalty

Bahrain

Tries: Gibson 2, Morete 2, Bishop 2, Bell 2, Behan, Fameitau, Sanson, Roberts, Bennett, Radley

Cons: Radley 4, Whittingham 5

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.4-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20366hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E550Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESix-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh360%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand

UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final

Tenet

Director: Christopher Nolan

Stars: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine, Kenneth Branagh 

Rating: 5/5

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

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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The specs

Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm

Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)

On sale: Now

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PAST 10 BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNERS

2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2012 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2011 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
2010 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2008 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2007 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)

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David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

Race card

1.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

2pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m

2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m

3pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1.950m

3.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m

4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m

4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

RESULTS

6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1.600m
Winner: Miller’s House, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).

7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Kanood, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.

7.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Gervais, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

8.15pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Important Mission, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Firnas, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.

9.25pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Zhou Storm, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
Road safetyUAERamadan 2025Transport