Abu Dhabi Police warn against jaywalking, urge pedestrians to use designated crossings

Abu Dhabi Police on Friday, August 21, urged pedestrians to cross roads safely and avoid jaywalking, warning of the risks of crossing at undesignated locations.

The authority called on pedestrians to use designated crosswalks, pedestrian bridges and underpasses, and to follow traffic signals.

In a video shared by Abu Dhabi Police, one resident is seen crossing a multi-lane highway, putting himself and passing motorists at risk. The footage also shows pedestrians using a designated crossing, but a driver fails to give way, forcing them to adjust their movement as the vehicle passes.

The authority also urged motorists to remain alert to pedestrian movement, reduce their speed near designated crossings, and give pedestrians priority when crossing.

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Abu Dhabi Police stressed that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers.

The awareness campaign is part of the force’s strategic priority of “Smart Road Security”, which aims to enhance the safety and security of pedestrians and other road users.

Earlier this year, authorities stepped up pedestrian awareness during Gulf Traffic Week 2026, held under the slogan “Cross Safely”. The campaign focused on following traffic laws, using designated crossings, avoiding highways and dangerous roads, obeying traffic signals, and staying alert while crossing.

In 2021, Abu Dhabi Police said it had issued nearly 7,900 fines to jaywalkers, highlighting the dangers of crossing roads from undesignated areas.

Penalties can be significantly higher when jaywalking results in an accident. Under the UAE’s federal traffic law that came into effect in March 2025, a person who crosses from an undesignated area and causes a traffic accident can face imprisonment and a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh10,000, or either penalty.

The penalties are even stricter when crossing occurs on a road with a speed limit of 80kmph or higher. Offenders can face at least three months in prison and a fine of at least Dh10,000, or either penalty.

Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it. When she's not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.