UAE Implements Comprehensive Back-to-School Safety and Traffic Plan for Returning Students

UAE authorities have launched a major back-to-school safety initiative to ensure seamless travel for hundreds of thousands of pupils returning to classrooms. Abu Dhabi Police will deploy additional patrols and traffic wardens to key school routes to manage traffic flow and support school buses during peak hours on the first day of term.

Officers will also monitor pedestrian crossings to enhance the safety of students walking to school. Furthermore, the force has established an awareness programme featuring lectures and workshops addressing security, social issues, drug risks, and the prevention of cybercrimes such as online bullying, abuse, and extortion.

In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is conducting a 30-day inspection campaign for school buses and verifying driver and attendant permits. The RTA is collaborating with ride-hailing companies including Careem, Uber, and Bolt to provide dedicated taxi services, alongside supporting a ride-pooling service in Al Barsha via the Yango app to help ease congestion.

Students utilizing public transport will receive a 50 per cent discount on RTA services like the Metro, Tram, and buses. The RTA is also increasing taxi availability in school zones and boosting the frequency of over 30 bus routes serving areas such as Al Nahda, Muhaisnah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Al Garhoud, while maintaining mandatory seat belt regulations.

To improve access and enhance safety, the RTA completed infrastructure improvements during the summer break near ten schools, including locations in Wadi Al Safa 4, Al Barsha, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Studio City, and Al Sufouh. These works featured new connecting roads, additional parking, and targeted safety and traffic-calming measures around institutions such as Gems Education Metropole School – Motor City, Horizon International School, The International School of Choueifat – Dubai, and Gems Winchester School – Dubai.