Dubai invites young filmmakers to compete for road safety awareness
Cash prizes and recognition await winners in three categories
DUBAI: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has initiated an innovative competition aimed at university and postgraduate filmmakers, encouraging them to create short films that delve into the causes and risks associated with traffic accidents.
Dubbed the "Road Safety Film Festival," this initiative seeks to raise awareness about road safety issues while showcasing the creative talents of young filmmakers.
The competition comprises three distinct categories, each focusing on specific themes related to road safety.
Categories of competition
Winners in each category will receive certificates of achievement, recognition, and cash prizes. Submissions open on 7 April 2025 and will close on 14 July 2025, allowing ample time for participants to craft their compelling narratives. Interested filmmakers can access detailed information regarding eligibility, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines via the competition portal on the RTA website.
Participants must be university students aged 18 to 35 and can enter individually or in teams of up to three members. Multiple entries across different categories are permitted, provided that all films are original, fully produced by the team or individual, and contribute meaningfully to the discourse on road safety by addressing key traffic challenges.
Empowering young filmmakers
Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “The competition aims to empower students to showcase their creativity and talent in producing impactful educational and awareness films that promote traffic safety within the community."
The RTA has allocated cash prizes for the top three winners in each category, which include films that highlight the dangers of sudden lane departures, the risks associated with driving distractions, and unsafe behaviours involving bicycles and electric scooters.
“The film topics were carefully selected based on recent traffic statistics,” Al Khzaimy explained. He noted that sudden lane departures and driver distractions are among the primary causes of fatal traffic accidents. Furthermore, a third category was introduced to address the unsafe behaviours of bicycle and e-scooter riders, reflecting the significant rise in the use of these mobility options in recent years.