A task force has been set up to help ensure the safe use of electric scooters across the UAE.
A committee comprising members of the Federal Traffic Council was formed in response to reports of reckless behaviour from riders.
The scooters have grown in popularity across the globe in recent years and have been viewed as an eco-friendly "last mile" alternative to cars.
The Federal Traffic Council does not have ultimate decision-making powers in each emirate, but can make recommendations based on its findings.
It's essential we organise the use of such vehicles through legislation that will protect members of the public
Brig Ahmed Al Naqbi,
Federal Traffic Council
This new committee will work closely with relevant authorities to develop plans to regulate their use.
“Forming the committee followed observations of e-scooters being used in unsafe places and of riders disturbing other road users,” said Brig Ahmed Al Naqbi, director of the traffic and patrols department at Ras Al Khaimah Police.
“It's essential we organise the use of such vehicles through legislation that will protect members of the public.
“Their use should be restricted to the tracks dedicated for that purpose and users must wear protective gear, including helmets and reflective jackets, especially when driving at night.”
Dubai began a year-long trial of e-scooter rentals in five districts in October, 2020. The resulting half a million trips were used to assess how e-scooters can be safely integrated into the emirate's transport system.
The scheme, led by the emirate's Roads and Transport Authority, is being extended to 10 areas of the emirate this year, including City Walk and Palm Jumeirah.
Riders cannot use rental e-scooters outside of designated trial zones, police have said.
E-scooters were banned from public parks in Dubai in May last year. Dubai Municipality said the move was to protect other park users.
Citywide, e-scooter rentals have been outlawed since early 2019, amid concerns over their irresponsible use. Riding privately owned e-scooters is permitted.
But concerns remain over the risk they can pose to users and pedestrians.
In March last year, The National reported how UAE hospitals had reported a series of injuries caused by e-scooter accidents.
Doctors said broken bones, bruises and scrapes from falling off the two-wheelers – some can travel at more than 30 kilometres an hour – were common.
Brig Al Naqbi said traffic patrols carried out by Ras Al Khaimah Police had found many young people using e-scooters in unsafe conditions.
Lt Col Saif Abdullah Al Falasi, director of traffic and patrols at Ajman Police, said driving e-scooters on main roads was against the law.
“They lack security means and can go at speeds exceeding 20kph, but they are widespread because of their cheap price,” he said.
The officer said e-scooter manufacturers should specify the age users should be.
“This is because they are aware of the dangers if these vehicles were used by children,” he said.
In June last year, two children were struck by cars while riding e-scooters in Sharjah.
One of them, an Emirati, 13, sustained serious injuries when hit by a car near the Al Lou’Lou’a roundabout in Khor Fakkan.
The other, a fifth grader in the emirate, died 15 days after being run over by a vehicle while riding his e-scooter.
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Director:Anthony Hayes
Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes
Rating:3/5
How Sputnik V works
The%20specs
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The specs: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Price, base: Dh198,300
Engine: 2.0L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 280hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 2,250rpm
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Checking: the obsession or thoughts focus on some harm coming from things not being as they should, which usually centre around the theme of safety. For example, the obsession is “the building will burn down”, therefore the compulsion is checking that the oven is switched off.
Contamination: the obsession is focused on the presence of germs, dirt or harmful bacteria and how this will impact the person and/or their loved ones. For example, the obsession is “the floor is dirty; me and my family will get sick and die”, the compulsion is repetitive cleaning.
Orderliness: the obsession is a fear of sitting with uncomfortable feelings, or to prevent harm coming to oneself or others. Objectively there appears to be no logical link between the obsession and compulsion. For example,” I won’t feel right if the jars aren’t lined up” or “harm will come to my family if I don’t line up all the jars”, so the compulsion is therefore lining up the jars.
Intrusive thoughts: the intrusive thought is usually highly distressing and repetitive. Common examples may include thoughts of perpetrating violence towards others, harming others, or questions over one’s character or deeds, usually in conflict with the person’s true values. An example would be: “I think I might hurt my family”, which in turn leads to the compulsion of avoiding social gatherings.
Hoarding: the intrusive thought is the overvaluing of objects or possessions, while the compulsion is stashing or hoarding these items and refusing to let them go. For example, “this newspaper may come in useful one day”, therefore, the compulsion is hoarding newspapers instead of discarding them the next day.
Source: Dr Robert Chandler, clinical psychologist at Lighthouse Arabia
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Wayne Rooney (Everton) Free transfer
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Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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AT%20A%20GLANCE
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Results:
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 (PA) | Group 1 US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres
Winner: Goshawke, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)
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Winner: Golden Jaguar, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash
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8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m
Winner: Oasis Charm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m
Winner: Escalator, Christopher Hayes, Charlie Fellowes
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
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