Dubai Police have apprehended a reckless driver for engaging in dangerous tailgating on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road. Photo: Dubai Police
Dubai Police have apprehended a reckless driver for engaging in dangerous tailgating on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road. Photo: Dubai Police
Dubai Police have apprehended a reckless driver for engaging in dangerous tailgating on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road. Photo: Dubai Police
Dubai Police have apprehended a reckless driver for engaging in dangerous tailgating on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road. Photo: Dubai Police

Dubai motorist fined Dh50,000 and has car seized over reckless driving


Ali Al Shouk
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A reckless Dubai driver caught on camera forcing their way into the lane of another motorist before committing a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre has been fined Dh50,000 and given 23 black points.

Footage released by Dubai Police on Thursday showed the Nissan Patrol travelling wheel-to-wheel with another vehicle in order to pass in the left-hand lane of the busy Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road - and then braking abruptly in front of the unsuspecting road user.

The car travelling a short distance behind was able to take evasive action and avoid a potentially deadly crash.

Maj Gen Saif Al Mazrouei, director of traffic at Dubai Police, said officers on patrol had recorded the driver and later arrested him.

“He intentionally drove remarkably close to the second car and took over to the left lane. He pushed on the brake and was about to cause a serious accident,” said Maj Gen Al Mazrouei.

Police did not say when the incident took place, or reveal any details about the apprehended driver.

Maj Gen Al Mazrouei said the driver had put lives at risk with his aggressive behaviour.

“Dubai Police will not accept such behaviour on the roads,” he added.

“We will have no tolerance with reckless drivers who break the law and have repeated offences. We will stand against such drivers who endanger the lives of road users. Nobody is above the law.”

Police impounded the vehicle along with issuing a heavy fine and imposing 23 black points, in line with tough new regulations introduced last month to bolster road safety.

The traffic rules, which came into effect on July 6, have been set up to reduce dangerous driving in the emirate.

Drivers pay price for road offences

Here is a list of what your car can be impounded for and what you can expect to pay for its release.

  • Participating in road races without permission from Dubai Police – Dh100,000
  • Jumping a red light – Dh50,000
  • Driving recklessly in a way that endangers the safety of others – Dh50,000
  • Driving a recreational motorbike or quad bike on paved road – Dh50,000
  • Driving a vehicle with a fake or tampered number plate – Dh50,000
  • Hitting a police car on purpose – Dh50,000
  • Vehicle being driven by someone under 18 – Dh50,000
  • Impounding a vehicle for modification – Dh10,000
  • Escaping police – Dh10,000
  • Driving without a number plate – Dh10,000
  • Gathering to watch a race or stunt performance on roads – Dh10,000
  • Having tinted glass beyond the permitted limit – Dh10,000
  • Modifying a car to increase speed and noise level – Dh10,000
Why the Tourist Club?

Originally, The Club (which many people chose to call the “British Club”) was the only place where one could use the beach with changing rooms and a shower, and get refreshments.

In the early 1970s, the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to give more people a place to get together on the beach, with some facilities for children. The place chosen was where the annual boat race was held, which Sheikh Zayed always attended and which brought crowds of locals and expatriates to the stretch of beach to the left of Le Méridien and the Marina.

It started with a round two-storey building, erected in about two weeks by Orient Contracting for Sheikh Zayed to use at one these races. Soon many facilities were planned and built, and members were invited to join.

Why it was called “Nadi Al Siyahi” is beyond me. But it is likely that one wanted to convey the idea that this was open to all comers. Because there was no danger of encountering alcohol on the premises, unlike at The Club, it was a place in particular for the many Arab expatriate civil servants to join. Initially the fees were very low and membership was offered free to many people, too.

Eventually there was a skating rink, bowling and many other amusements.

Frauke Heard-Bey is a historian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 1968.

Updated: August 24, 2023, 1:08 PM