The Road and Transport Authority, Dubai has recently issued guidelines for minors using the metro or public transportation. Below are the rules based on age:
- Children under the age of eight are recommended only to use public transport in the company of adults.
- Children aged eight and eleven can travel alone on public transport except for inter-city buses. However, they should have a permission slip from their parents.
- Children aged 12 and above can travel on public transport without an adult present.
Apart from providing a safe and easy mode of transportation, the bus and the metro can also prove cheaper for students with the student NOL card. This card allows children to travel on reduced fares.
Dubai is a very safe city, and Numbeo named it one of the world's safest cities last year. This gives you some leeway to experiment with the kids' travel plans.
The good news is that anyone over 12 can travel alone on the Dubai Metro. Children aged between eight and eleven can do so if they have a letter from their parents permitting them.
Dubai is not just safe for a specific age group but is safe for everyone and anyone.