Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
As part of its ongoing commitment to diffusing traffic safety culture, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the launch of a Ramadan awareness campaign, which includes the distribution of 40,000 awareness leaflets alongside iftar meals and Ramadan gifts.
The campaign targets taxi drivers, delivery bike riders and workers at several locations across the emirate, in cooperation with its partners from the government and private sectors.
The campaign aims to raise awareness among the targeted groups about safe behaviours during the Holy Month, thereby supporting efforts to reduce traffic accidents and promote a culture of responsible driving throughout the year.
To achieve these objectives, RTA seeks to develop innovative printed and digital awareness tools to reach the widest possible segment of the public.
In this context, RTA worked with its partners to prepare iftar meals and awareness gifts in cooperation with Dubai Police General Headquarters, Dubai Taxi Company, noon, DAMAC Properties, Sobha Realty, Emirates Driving Institute, First Driving Centre, Continental Tires, Masafi, Almarai, Zone Delivery Services, Careem and Bridgestone.
Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA, said: “Year-round awareness efforts constitute a fundamental pillar of the comprehensive operational plan based on Dubai’s Traffic Safety Strategy, RTA’s road safety objectives and its vision, The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility. Annual occasions, foremost among them the Holy Month of Ramadan, represent an opportunity to intensify targeted awareness initiatives in a manner that supports safety objectives and enhances traffic awareness levels among members of the public.”
Al Khzaimy added: “RTA has prepared more than 40,000 awareness messages integrated with iftar meals and Ramadan gifts in cooperation with its partners from the government and private sectors. RTA collaborated with noon and Zone Delivery Services to distribute these gifts to delivery bike riders, which include an awareness leaflet encouraging adherence to traffic safety rules.
“RTA also worked with Sobha and DAMAC Properties to prepare iftar meals for workers at construction sites. The meals include awareness leaflets on pedestrian safety, and RTA has prepared additional awareness materials on avoiding traffic accidents.
“I urge drivers to embody the values of the Holy Month in their behaviour, particularly while driving, by adhering to traffic regulations and respecting the rights of road users. Driving while fatigued or drowsy poses significant risks, especially during Ramadan, when concentration levels may decline among some drivers as a result of fasting.”
Truck movement restriction timings
As part of its commitment to raising safety levels, RTA ensures that heavy vehicle drivers are aware of truck movement restriction timings during the Holy Month of Ramadan on several key corridors.
The restrictions cover the E11 corridor from Sharjah border to Interchange 7 on Sheikh Zayed Road (via Al Ittihad Street, Sheikh Rashid Street and Sheikh Zayed Road), in addition to Deira and Bur Dubai city centres, Al Mizhar and Oud Al Muteena areas along Sharjah border, and Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street from the intersection with Al Khawaneej Street.
The restriction period will apply from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm instead of the usual timing of 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Morning restriction periods on roads where truck movement is restricted three times daily have been adjusted to apply from 7:30 am to 9:30 am instead of the usual 6:30 am to 8:30 am.
On roads subject to three daily restriction windows during the afternoon period, the restriction will apply from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm instead of the usual 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
On Emirates Road, truck movement restrictions will apply from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm instead of the usual 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. On Fridays during Ramadan, the restriction period will apply from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm instead of 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
RTA confirms that truck movement remains prohibited throughout the year in Al Shindagha Tunnel, Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Business Bay Crossing, Infinity Bridge, Airport Tunnel, Meydan Street and Al Qudra Street.
Tips for Drivers:
1. Avoid driving immediately after consuming a heavy meal, particularly following a fast.
2. Remain patient while driving during fasting hours and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
3. Plan your journey in advance and choose the most appropriate mode of transport, whether a private vehicle or public transport.
4. Exercise patience during the Holy Month, avoid disputes with other drivers, and promote a spirit of tolerance and moderation.
5. Avoid sleeping inside the vehicle with the windows closed. Even with the air conditioning operating, this may expose you to the risk of suffocation.
Restriction Timings
| Location | Current Timings | Ramadan Timings |
|---|---|---|
| E11 Corridor (from Sharjah border to Interchange 7 on Sheikh Zayed Road, via Al Ittihad Street, Sheikh Rashid Street and Sheikh Zayed Road), in addition to Deira and Bur Dubai city centres, as well as Al Mizhar and Oud Al Muteena along Sharjah border, and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street from the intersection with Al Khawaneej Street | 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | 7:00 am – 11:00 pm |
| Roads Subject to Three Daily Restriction Periods – Morning | 6:30 am – 8:30 am | 7:30 am – 9:30 am |
| Roads Subject to Three Daily Restriction Periods – Midday | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Emirates Road | 5:30 pm | 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm |
| 8:00 pm | ||
| Roads and Locations Prohibited Throughout the Year:Al Shindagha Tunnel, Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Business Bay Crossing, Infinity Bridge, Airport Tunnel, Meydan Street and Al Qudra Street | (Restriction Applies Throughout the Year) | 8:00 pm |