ABU DHABI/DUBAI— With hundreds of thousands of pupils across the UAE returning to classrooms from Monday, police and transport authorities have rolled out a wide-ranging set of measures to keep one of the busiest weeks on the country’s roads running smoothly and safely.
Abu Dhabi Police will deploy extra patrols and traffic wardens along key school routes as the emirate braces for a surge in road traffic on the opening day of term. The additional presence is aimed at keeping traffic moving and helping school buses navigate peak-hour congestion, while officers stationed at pedestrian crossings will keep watch over pupils walking to school.
Beyond the roads, the force has also launched an awareness campaign for students, teachers and parents. A series of lectures and workshops will tackle topics ranging from general safety and social issues to the dangers of drug use and online threats such as cyberbullying, digital abuse and extortion.
In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a month-long inspection drive covering school buses across the emirate, with officials carrying out on-the-ground checks to confirm that drivers and bus attendants hold valid permits.
To widen transport options for families, the RTA has partnered with ride-hailing operators Careem, Uber and Bolt to offer dedicated school-run taxi services. It is also backing a ride-pooling scheme in Al Barsha, accessible through the Yango app, giving parents another way to ease their children’s commute while helping to cut down on road congestion in the area.
Students using public transport stand to benefit from a 50 per cent fare discount across the Metro, Tram and bus network. The RTA is also boosting taxi numbers around school zones and increasing service on more than 30 bus routes serving neighbourhoods including Al Nahda, Muhaisnah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Garhoud, with the goal of cutting waiting times and making journeys more reliable.
The authority described the push as part of a broader commitment to pupil safety, noting that seat belts remain mandatory on school buses as well as in ride-hailing and pooling vehicles used for school trips.
Much of the groundwork was laid over the summer break, when the RTA carried out road upgrades around 10 schools to minimise disruption once term began. The affected zones span Wadi Al Safa 4, Al Barsha, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Studio City and Al Sufouh.
Among the completed projects is a new road linking Al Qudra Road and Hessa Street through Dubai Motor City and Dubai Studio City, improving access to Gems Education’s Metropole School in Motor City. Horizon International School in Umm Al Sheif has gained additional parking space, while the service road entrances and exits near the Al Barsha South schools complex have been upgraded. At-grade improvements have also been made around the International School of Choueifat in Al Sufouh.
