How to report a traffic accident to police in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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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1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

3. More tax audits

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4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

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5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.

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