Dealing with the aftermath of a traffic accident can be stressful, but for UAE motorists, reporting incidents to the correct authorities can be done on a computer, using an app, or with a simple phone call.
Knowing what to do in any traffic accident – big or small – can save time and reduce the impact on those involved, as well as for other drivers.
If you've seen a problem or been involved in an incident on the roads in Dubai, you can report it using the government's DubaiNow app.
The service allows motorists to report minor traffic accidents conveniently, instead of waiting for the police to arrive at the scene or having to go to a police station, said officials.
By recording an incident on the DubaiNow app, motorists receive a Dubai Police report by email or text message for any insurance claim.
In the event of a major accident, it is still important to dial 999.
“Offering the service to report minor traffic accidents to users of the DubaiNow app will make it easier for Dubai motorists and road users to benefit from this exceptional service,” said Major General Khalid Al Razooqi, director of the General Department of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai Police.
The service is an additional tool for accident reporting. Motorists can also continue to use the Dubai Police app.
The National explains how to report minor accidents in Dubai and other emirates.
How to report a minor accident in Dubai
Firstly, it is important to carry your driving licence, car registration and insurance details with you. If you don't have these, you may have to visit the police station.
For minor incidents where no one is injured, stay calm and move the vehicles to the side of the road if it is safe to do so.
If the other driver flees the scene, take down the vehicle's make, model and number plate and alert Dubai Police.
Motorists can report a minor accident in Dubai via the Dubai Police mobile app or DubaiNow.
Select the “report traffic accident” service on the homepage of the apps.
Select the number of vehicles involved in the accident.
Scan the vehicle plate number and add as many details as possible, such as the vehicle plate number and licence.
Take a picture of the damaged area of the vehicle through the app.
Select who is responsible for the accident, including personal details such as their contact number and email.
If the drivers involved cannot agree on who is to blame, they must call Dubai Police on 999. The police will then determine the liable party. Alternatively, all parties should go to the nearest police station to report the incident.
The party found liable will have to pay a fine of Dh520 ($141).
Also, there are certain Enoc petrol stations where motorists can report an accident in Dubai. These are Al Rasheed Street in Al Mizher, Al Khail Road near exit 44, Arabian Ranches and Al Khail Road, near Al Barsha police station.
What if no other parties are involved?
Motorists must report an accident in Dubai even if they hit an object, as opposed to another car.
They can use the above method to lodge an incident using one of the apps or call Dubai Police to get a damage report to submit to their insurance company.
Reporting minor accidents in Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates
Motorists in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah can use the Ministry of Interior’s smartphone application (MOI UAE) to report an accident. This service is free of charge.
They need to register on the app using UAE Pass or with their Emirates ID.
After logging in, the system will confirm the location of the accident through geographical mapping.
Enter the vehicle details and attach pictures of the damage.
Once you submit the accident report, you will receive a confirmation report from the app.
The report can then be used for any insurance claim for repair work.
Motorists can use the app to issue an accident report against an unknown person for Dh400. The service fee in Sharjah is Dh335, as per the Ministry of Interior website.
Rafid service in Sharjah
Motorists involved in accidents in Sharjah can also register incidents through the Rafid app.
After signing up with a phone number, the motorist can report a minor accident by using the app to detail the location – with vehicle information and pictures of the damage. The fee is Dh400.
The driver can also get a damage report against an unknown party following an accident – for instance, if their vehicle is damaged while parked. The fee is Dh335.
For enquiries call Rafid at 80072343.
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
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The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
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The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
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May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
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November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
