Traffic signs in the UAE

• UAE Traffic Signs
• FAQs

Whether you prefer using local transport or driving yourself, it’s essential to be familiar with the basic traffic signs in the UAE. Highly visible and placed on or near public roads, these signs provide clear directions and ample time for compliance, ensuring safety in high-traffic areas like Dubai. This overview covers common road signs in Dubai and other emirates that drivers must know.

Main Traffic signs in the UAE

Mandatory Signs

Mandatory traffic signs in the UAE are meant to inform drivers on the course of action they are supposed to take on particular roads. Examples include signs that require drivers to adhere to specific speed limits. Expect to see these common road traffic signs in Dubai and other emirates.

Parking Control Signs

As the term implies, the UAE’s parking control signs indicate where people can and cannot park with some imposing time restrictions. The restriction applies even if the drivers are seated in the vehicles. Some examples include paid parking signs, signs which indicate parking areas for specific vehicles and for handicapped individuals. On that note, drivers in the UAE must be aware of these common parking signs: 

Trailblazing Signs

Placed en-route to reassure drivers that they are on correct roads to reach certain destinations, trailblazing signs can be spotted on highways and other busy roads in the UAE. Examples include a sign with an airplane symbol indicating the direction to Dubai International Airport and others indicating freeways and major Emirates routes. That being said, you may come across these trailblazing UAE traffic signs and symbols while driving long distances.

Control Signs

Control signs are used to indicate actions like the direction of travel, right of way or prohibition from entering certain areas. Control traffic signs in the UAE are as follows:

Warning Signs

Warning signs are meant to alert users to potentially hazardous conditions or to indicate upcoming road junctions that may not be apparent to drivers.

Such signs vary in design, but most of them are shaped like a triangle with a thick red border and a symbol with a white background, as seen above. Consider a warning sign with the traffic light symbol — often used when it is difficult to see when an upcoming traffic light may be showing red and to alert drivers to slow down.

Here are some other warning signs in the UAE that commuters may come across:

Prohibitory Signs

Prohibitory signs indicate actions that drivers must not take while on the road. For example, some signs prohibit drivers from taking a left or right turn, exceeding certain speed limits, honking horns or overtaking other vehicles. Some common prohibitory signs you may encounter on the road in the UAE are as follows:

FAQs

Can you turn right when the traffic signal is on red in the UAE?

You cannot do so if there is a yield sign.

What road fines might I incur in Dubai?

Read our guide to the Dubai traffic fines to find out. The penalties apply to every possible hazard, from running a red light to reckless driving.

That’s a wrap of our review of traffic signs in the UAE. Before you go on the road, keep in mind that you are required to apply for a UAE driving licence first. Check out our guide to getting a car licence in Dubai. Once you have, take a look at some of the best Dubai driving schools to work towards your licence.

Do you plan on residing and driving in Abu Dhabi instead? If so, our guide for Abu Dhabi driver’s licence will help you apply for a driving licence there.

For more information on traffic regulations in the UAE, visit MyBayut.