Dubai records highest toll as UAE road deaths rose to 384 in 2024

Young motorists aged 19-29 accounted for 40% of fatalities

UAE road accidents
Caption: UAE road fatalities rose by 9% in 2024, with Dubai reporting the highest death toll at 158, as new data highlights key violations and young driver risks.
Source: WAM

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded 384 road fatalities in 2024, reflecting a 9 percent increase compared to the previous year, with nearly half of these deaths occurring in Dubai.

The Ministry of Interior’s latest road safety data also reported 6,062 injuries and 4,748 major accidents, both rising by 8 percent.

Among the fatalities, 223 deaths resulted from light vehicle crashes, while motorcycle accidents claimed 67 lives. Alarmingly, 98 percent of all fatalities and injuries occurred in good weather and clear road conditions.

Leading causes

Five primary violations contributed to 68 percent of all fatalities and 62 percent of injuries. These included distracted driving (1,139 cases), sudden deviation (1,092), tailgating (885), negligence and inattention (556), and lack of lane discipline (342).

Fridays and evenings were the most dangerous times on UAE roads, with 63 deaths recorded on Fridays, followed by 59 on Sundays and 58 on Wednesdays.

Dubai tops list

Dubai saw the highest number of road deaths, with 158 fatalities, followed by Abu Dhabi (123) and Sharjah (32). Other emirates recorded lower figures: Ras Al Khaimah (30), Umm Al Quwain (18), Fujairah (12), and Ajman (11).

Some of the most dangerous roads included Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, which accounted for 40 deaths, Emirates Street (20), and Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road (14).

Rising licences

With road usage increasing, 383,086 new driving licences were issued across the UAE last year. Abu Dhabi led with 147,334 new licences, followed by Dubai (112,471) and Sharjah (65,195).

Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE, called the number “astonishing” and urged both public and private stakeholders to take action.

Young drivers at risk

Motorists aged 19-29 were identified as the most vulnerable, making up 40 percent of fatalities and 42 percent of injuries. Edelmann stressed the need for awareness initiatives targeting this age group, urging schools, employers, and driving institutions to promote safer driving habits.

“There is an urgent need for more enforcement and education,” Edelmann said, adding that the motorcycle delivery sector, in particular, requires stricter regulations.