The RTA in Dubai has launched a weeklong road safety campaign for GCC Traffic Week 2025, focusing on the dangers of distracted driving, especially using mobile phones.
Running from April 14 to 20, this year’s theme, “Driving Without a Phone,” serves as a powerful reminder of the deadly consequences that can result from a moment of inattention. With collaboration from the Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police, Emirates Driving Institute, and Michelin Tyres, the initiative is aimed at instilling a culture of focused, responsible driving among all road users.
A clear and present danger
Distracted driving remains one of the top causes of road accidents not just in Dubai, but across the UAE. Despite stringent traffic laws, many drivers continue to engage with their mobile phones while on the road. Whether it’s texting, scrolling through social media, or answering calls, these actions significantly impair a driver’s ability to react—sometimes with fatal consequences.
According to safety studies cited by the RTA, using a phone while driving reduces reaction time by up to 80%, making it as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Shockingly, it also cuts a driver’s ability to respond to sudden obstacles by half, putting not only the driver at risk but also passengers, pedestrians, and fellow motorists.
What are the penalties for using your phone while driving in the UAE?
As part of the awareness push, the RTA has reminded the public of the legal consequences tied to phone use while driving. The current fine stands at AED 800, along with four black points on the driver’s license. However, authorities warn that even steeper consequences await if distraction leads to an accident or injury.
Beyond the financial penalty, there’s a growing social awareness element. Through this campaign, the RTA hopes to shift public perception and reinforce that no message or call is worth a life.
Inside GCC Traffic Week 2025: What’s happening across Dubai
The RTA has rolled out a variety of interactive awareness events to mark GCC Traffic Week 2025. These events aim to educate the community in an engaging and accessible way. Here’s what to expect:
- Main Exhibition: Hosted in Sharjah by the Ministry of Interior, this central exhibit brings together public and private partners, showcasing road safety technologies and research.
- School and University Activations: On-site sessions designed to educate younger road users and soon-to-be drivers on the risks of distracted driving.
- Digital Campaigns: Social media blitzes, safety reels, and influencer partnerships spreading the “Driving Without a Phone” message across platforms.
- Billboards and Digital Signage: Eye-catching messages on Dubai roads, metro stations, and customer service centres serve as a visual reminder to keep phones down and eyes on the road.
Who is involved in the campaign?
This collaborative campaign is being driven by RTA, in partnership with:
- Ministry of Interior
- Dubai Police General HQ
- Emirates Driving Institute
- Michelin Tyres
By involving both government bodies and private stakeholders, the campaign reflects a city-wide commitment to safer roads and responsible driving behavior.
Educational outreach: Creating lifelong safe drivers
A major focus of the campaign lies in early education. By targeting school and university students, the campaign aims to nurture responsible habits before bad ones are formed. The RTA is using simulators, interactive sessions, and traffic officer talks to engage and educate future drivers.
How can residents take part in GCC Traffic Week 2025?
Dubai residents are encouraged to actively engage with the campaign by attending events, sharing social media posts, and even pledging to keep their phones away while driving. Many of the events are open to the public and are designed to be both educational and family-friendly.
Residents can also track campaign updates on the RTA’s official social platforms and through signage at metro stations, malls, and RTA service centers.
The tech behind safer roads: Monitoring distracted driving
As technology evolves, so does road safety enforcement. Authorities in Dubai have begun implementing smart surveillance systems that can detect mobile phone usage while driving using AI-powered traffic cameras. These systems can automatically flag violators in real time and generate fines.
These technologies deter unsafe driving and support Dubai’s vision of zero road fatalities.
Driving toward Vision Zero: RTA’s broader road safety strategy
This campaign isn’t just a standalone initiative. It ties into the broader framework of Dubai’s Traffic Safety Strategy, which is anchored on four pillars: Awareness, Enforcement, Engineering, and Evaluation.
The “Awareness” pillar helps the RTA reach diverse groups and promote lasting behavior change during GCC Traffic Week.
No text is worth a life
The message is simple but powerful—don’t text and drive. In a city as fast-paced as Dubai, even a momentary lapse in attention can result in tragedy. Through its powerful “Driving Without a Phone” campaign, RTA is calling on every driver in the UAE to take personal responsibility for road safety.
It’s not just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting lives.
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