In an effort to address mounting traffic congestion and promote sustainability, several schools across Dubai are introducing or supporting parent-led carpooling initiatives. While commercial ride-sharing remains prohibited in the UAE, authorities allow non-commercial carpooling among families, a move that schools and parents alike are embracing.
Turning the School Run Into a Community Effort
With long morning queues and crowded pick-up zones becoming a daily challenge for many Dubai schools, carpooling is emerging as a community-driven solution. Parents are now being encouraged to join hands and share the responsibility of school drop-offs and pick-ups.
Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills is one of the institutions actively promoting this shift. According to Principal Hitesh Bhagat, the school’s initiative connects parents living in the same locality, allowing them to coordinate their transport schedules.
“By participating in the carpooling initiative, we can significantly reduce traffic congestion and contribute to a more sustainable environment,” said Bhagat. “It’s not just about getting children to school—this also helps build stronger community ties and reduces the stress of the morning rush.”
Bhagat emphasized that carpooling leads to lower carbon emissions and creates a smoother commute for both parents and students. “Parents can come together, share the journey, and create a more enjoyable and efficient travel experience,” he added.
Encouraging Eco-Conscious Habits Year-Round
Over at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, similar sentiments are echoed, though the approach is less formal. Principal Ian Thurston highlighted the school’s efforts to promote carpooling, especially during the warmer months when traffic increases.
“During the summer, we encourage staff and families to consider carpooling to reduce traffic and contribute to sustainability. In cooler months, we promote cycling and walking where possible,” said Thurston.
While the school doesn’t provide parents’ contact details without consent, staff assist families looking for others in their area to share rides with. “Staff carpooling is already common,” Thurston noted. “It’s easier to coordinate schedules when relationships are already in place.”
Thurston added that even the removal of one vehicle from the school’s vicinity can positively impact traffic flow and reduce wait times during peak hours.
Formal Guidelines in the Pipeline
To ensure that carpooling practices are both effective and safe, some institutions are now working on formal frameworks. Regent Gulf Indian High School is among those developing structured guidelines in line with UAE regulations.
“We promote safe and sustainable transport options, encouraging parent-led carpooling among our students, subject to following all the guidelines given by RTA,” said Dr S. Reshma, the school’s principal-director. “The school supports these efforts by ensuring accountability and safety while also promoting carpooling among staff commuting from nearby areas.”
Reshma added that while a formal carpooling policy is still under development, interim guidelines are in place to help families coordinate responsibly.
Real Families, Real Benefits
For many families, informal carpooling has already become a trusted routine that simplifies daily life. Arijit Nandi, a parent living in The Springs, shared how his family has partnered with a neighboring household to share school runs for the past three years.
“My wife and another mom take turns each week. On her off days, my wife can hit the gym or get a head start on her work. It’s been incredibly convenient and we’ve developed a great friendship with the other family,” Nandi said.
Palestinian expat Fadia Alam echoed similar sentiments. “We teamed up with a family friend for school drop-offs. It’s fair, saves on fuel, and gives the kids extra sleep in the morning,” she said. “Honestly, it’s a win for everyone.”
Legal Guidelines for Safe Participation
It’s important to note that while paid carpooling is illegal in the UAE, non-commercial arrangements among parents are permitted, provided they follow safety and consent-based protocols. Schools are careful to act within these boundaries, facilitating connections between willing families without breaching privacy laws.
Authorities continue to stress that all school transport, whether provided by institutions or managed by parents, must adhere to UAE’s safety regulations to protect students and avoid legal issues.
A More Sustainable Future
With Dubai’s push toward sustainable urban living, carpooling offers a small but impactful step in that direction. Schools, families, and educators are all seeing its benefits—not only in terms of traffic reduction but also in fostering community spirit and environmental consciousness.
As more institutions take notice, parent-led carpooling could soon become the norm across school communities in the UAE.
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