UAE Traffic Law 2025: As the UAE gears up to welcome the new year, residents should take note of key rules and regulations set to take effect in 2025.
Get to know the five rules below:
Federal Traffic Law
A new federal decree law on traffic regulations will take effect on March 29, lowering the minimum age limit for drivers by one year to 17.
In addition, the country will prohibit driving vehicles that make a lot of noise and will not allow the use of car horns within cities except to prevent danger or accidents.
The new regulations also prevent pedestrians from crossing roads with speed limits exceeding 80kmph. Authorities explained that those who do not comply will bear any civil or criminal liability.
They have also warned of “deterrent penalties” for serious violations that may cause fatal accidents. These include driving under the influence of alcohol or any narcotic substance, hit-and-run cases, jaywalking, or driving in a valley in time of flooding.
The new law said that transporting hazardous materials or unusual loads will require a permit from the relevant authority.
Nutrition Grading System
Five food items must be labeled with mandatory nutrition grades starting June 1 as part of a new labelling system launched by quality control and health officials in Abu Dhabi.
Products found on supermarket shelves without Nutri-Mark, which grades a food item’s nutritional content, will be withdrawn, and concerned parties will be fined. This will also apply to items displaying a higher grading than they should.
Nutri-Mark grades the nutritious value of an item from A to E, with A being the most healthy. The first phase of the new scheme applies to baked goods, oils, dairy, children’s food, and beverages.
Dr Ahmed Al Khazraji, Acting Director-General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said the new system aims to tackle obesity by providing consumers with clear and easy-to-understand information about products’ nutritional values.
More food items will be included under Nutri-Mark after the first phase.
Mandatory Women Representation
A new decision by the UAE Ministry of Economy stipulates that women must be represented on the boards of directors of private joint-stock companies starting January 1.
According to the new decision, at least one seat must be allocated to women after the end of the current board’s term.
The decision aims to expand the presence and representation of women on the boards of directors of private joint-stock companies.
Mandatory Pre-Marital Genetic Testing
According to the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, genetic testing will be a mandatory part of premarital screenings for all Emirati citizens planning to get married starting January 1.
“In 2019, the UAE Genome Programme was launched, and in 2021, the UAE Genome Council was established under the leadership of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed…. genetic testing will be an essential part of the premarital examination program for all citizens intending to marry across the country, starting in January 2025,” said Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
While premarital medical examination was mandatory for couples, both citizens and expats, ahead of marriage, genetic testing was optional.
Emiratisation Targets
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) said that starting in 2025, private-sector companies with a workforce of 20 to 49 workers will be required to hire at least two Emirati citizens. Previously, this mandate applied only to companies with 50 or more employees.
Non-compliant establishments of this size will face financial contributions of Dh96,000 for not achieving this year’s target, which will be collected starting in January.
Administrative fines on private sector companies that do not meet their 2025 Emiratisation targets will amount to Dh108,000, to be collected as of January 2026.
Participating in false Emiratisation practices will also result in administrative fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000 per instance, depending on the number of offenses.
