What gear must you wear, and does insurance pay for it?
Riders and passengers must wear a helmet. The fine is AED 500 and 4 black points. The unified motor policy does not mention riding gear. Some insurers add it: GIG Gulf pays up to AED 2,500 for a helmet and protective clothing damaged in an accident.
A helmet, for you and for anyone riding with you. Not wearing one on a motorcycle is a fine of AED 500 and 4 black points, for the rider and for the passenger.1
What gear does each kind of ride need?
| Ride | Required gear | Where the rule applies |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | Protective helmet for rider and passenger | All emirates |
| Bicycle, e-bike, e-scooter | Protective helmet and reflective vest. Cycling clothes and shoes | Dubai |
| Bicycle, e-bike | Protective helmet and reflective vest or clothing at all times | Abu Dhabi |
| Quad or dirt bike | Riding gear including a protective helmet | Dubai |
The Dubai cycle rules are in Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2022,2 the Abu Dhabi rules in the Abu Dhabi guideline for bicycles and scooters,3 and the quad bike rules in Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 18 of 2017.4
New federal traffic rules from 1 January 2027 require motorcycle riders to wear protective helmets and ride in single file, Gulf News reported on 7 November 2026. Delivery riders must also wear the prescribed uniform.5
Does motor insurance pay for a damaged helmet or jacket?
The unified policy covers the motorcycle and its accessories while on the vehicle.6 It does not mention helmets or riding clothes.
Some insurers add gear cover to comprehensive policies. GIG Gulf pays up to AED 1,000 for one item and AED 2,500 in total if your helmet or approved protective clothing is damaged beyond repair in an accident you claim for. Each claim carries a AED 150 excess.7 GIG Gulf excludes gloves and boots, theft, and wear and tear, and asks you to keep the damaged helmet and leathers for inspection.7
What about gear on a bicycle or e-scooter?
GIG Gulf’s home contents wording excludes motorcycles and other mechanically or electrically propelled vehicles from its personal belongings cover.8 Read bicycle insurance for what home policies say about bicycles.
Ask your insurer whether your policy pays for a damaged helmet, and keep the receipt.
The small print
- The helmet fine is item 81 of the Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 schedule.1
- The Dubai cycle gear rule is Article 6(10) and (22) of Resolution No. 13 of 2022. Not wearing the vest and helmet is fined AED 200 under schedule item 6.2
- GIG Gulf’s gear cover is the “Helmet and Protective Clothing Insurance” section of its motorcycle terms.7
Sources
8
1UAE Government (u.ae), Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017, list of traffic violations, fines and black points. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017, list of traffic violations, fines and black points
2Supreme 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
3Abu 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)
4Supreme Legislation Committee, Dubai, Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2017 Concerning Licensing and Regulating the Use of Recreational Motorcycles in the Emirate of Dubai. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2017 Concerning Licensing and Regulating the Use of Recreational Motorcycles in the Emirate of Dubai
5Gulf News, UAE delivery riders face new rules in 2027: No backpacks, no passengers. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: UAE delivery riders face new rules in 2027: No backpacks, no passengers
6Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook, The Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Against Loss and Damage. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: The Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Against Loss and Damage
7GIG Gulf, Motorcycle Terms and Conditions. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Motorcycle Terms and Conditions
8GIG Gulf, Home Comfort, Terms and Conditions. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Home Comfort, Terms and Conditions
- Owner
- Bikeinsurance.ae research team
- Last review
- Next review due
- 11 May 2027
- Status
- Published