What are the rules for cycling in Dubai and the UAE?
In Dubai you ride only on cycle lanes, never on roads above 60 km/h, with a helmet, a reflective vest, lights, a bell and two brakes. Children under 12 ride with someone aged 18 or over. Fines run from AED 100 to AED 300. Abu Dhabi requires a helmet and reflective clothing at all times.
In Dubai you ride on cycle lanes, with a helmet and a reflective vest, on a bike with lights, a bell and two brakes. The rules are in Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2022, which applies across the emirate, including free zones such as DIFC.1
What must your bike have?
A white headlight, a red tail light and a red rear reflector, a bell on the handlebar, front and rear brakes, and tyres suited to the lane or road. The bike’s size must suit the rider.1 Riding a bike that does not meet these rules is a AED 300 fine.1
Where may you ride?
Only on cycle lanes the RTA designates, never on a lane for walking or jogging, and never on a road with a speed limit above 60 km/h.1 Ride on the right, with traffic, and signal before changing lanes. Dismount and wheel the bike across pedestrian crossings.1 Where cycle tracks are is on cycle tracks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What are the fines in Dubai?
| Offence | Fine |
|---|---|
| Bicycle or e-bike on a road with a limit above 60 km/h | AED 300 |
| Riding outside the cycle lanes | AED 200 |
| Riding or leaving a bike on a walking or jogging lane | AED 200 |
| No helmet or vest, or a passenger on a bike not fitted for one | AED 200 |
| Child under 12 riding without a cyclist aged 18 or over | AED 200 |
| Riding against traffic | AED 200 |
| Not dismounting at a pedestrian crossing | AED 200 |
| Exceeding the cycle lane speed limit | AED 100 |
| Not reporting an accident that caused injury or damage | AED 300 |
| Being towed by a vehicle, or towing with the bike | AED 300 |
A rider under 18’s fine is paid by the parent or guardian. For a repeated dangerous violation within a year, the RTA can impound the bike for 30 days.1 Drivers who park on or block a cycle lane are fined AED 300.1
Can you ride in a group?
Group training of four or more cyclists under a trainer needs RTA approval, with escort vehicles, a paramedic and no more than 20 riders. Training on roads by fewer than four cyclists without a trainer is prohibited, with a AED 100 fine per person.1
What are the rules in Abu Dhabi?
Riders of bicycles and e-bikes must wear a protective helmet and a reflective vest or clothing at all times, ride on paths and roads authorised for them, and keep to 20 km/h.2 Riding on walking trails, pavements that are not signed for bikes, or roads of 60 km/h and above without a group permit is a AED 500 fine. Most safety violations are AED 200.2
What does federal law say?
Federal law lists bicycles as personal transportation. Users of personal transportation may not stop in the middle of the roadway or cross it except at designated places.3
Fit lights, a bell and a reflective vest before your next ride.
Sources
3
1Supreme Legislation Committee, Dubai, Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022 Regulating the Use of Cycles in the Emirate of Dubai. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022 Regulating the Use of Cycles in the Emirate of Dubai
2Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, Abu Dhabi Guideline for Safe use of bicycles, electric bicycles, and scooters (ADG 28/2024). Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Abu Dhabi Guideline for Safe use of bicycles, electric bicycles, and scooters (ADG 28/2024)
3UAE Legislation, Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 On Traffic Regulation. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 On Traffic Regulation
- Owner
- Bikeinsurance.ae research team
- Last review
- Next review due
- 11 May 2027
- Status
- Published