Road signs are an essential part of road safety, and they help regulate traffic flow. In Dubai, road signs are particularly important because the road networks are getting more complex, traffic is growing by the day, and new visitors to Dubai are always on the rise every year. Road signs
offer visual information and provide a clear and simple message for road users to follow them. Understanding traffic road signs is important when driving, no matter where you are, and in Dubai, it is just as important. This article provides information on Dubai road signs and traffic
signs.
Dubai Road Signs:
In Dubai, road networks are getting more complex, and traffic is growing by the day, making road signs even more important. Dubai road signs and traffic signs are modeled on the British road sign system and are regulated by the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) of Dubai and the
Department of Transport (DoT) of Abu Dhabi. There are three types of route signs in the UAE for classified roads: blue signs denote roads that allow travel between different Emirates, green signs denote roads that are entirely within the same Emirate, and brown signs provide for local access to areas of local importance.
Significance of Road Signs in Dubai:
Dubai road signs are more than just symbols; they are the backbone of the road network. Road signs are usually placed on, over, or next to a public road where they usually command attention. They help control and regulate the traffic flow, and keeping yourself updated with the road signs not only keeps you safe but also other road users too.
Types of Road Signs:
There are several types of road signs in Dubai, including
- Regulatory signs,
- Mandatory signs,
- Prohibitory signs,
- Parking control signs,
- Handicapped parking,
- Warning signs,
- Hazard marker signs,
- Diagrammatic warning signs,
- Trailblazing signs, and
- Exit direction signs.
Regulatory Signs:
This signs provide information about rules for traffic and must be followed without fail or any deviation. Regulatory signs are used to control the actions of road users. They tell you what you need to do and what not to do. They are usually circular with a red border and a white background. Some examples of regulatory signs in Dubai include:
| Sign | Description | Symbol |
| Stop sign | This sign indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop before proceeding. |  |
| Give way sign | This sign indicates that drivers must give way to other vehicles or pedestrians. |  |
| No entry sign | This sign indicates that drivers are not allowed to enter a particular road or area. |  |
| Speed limit sign | This sign indicates the maximum speed limit allowed on a particular road. |  |
Mandatory Signs:
Mandatory signs are used to inform drivers of specific actions that must be taken. These signs are usually circular with a blue background and a white symbol. Mandatory traffic signs inform drivers of particular actions they need to take on particular UAE roads and follow certain
speed limits. Examples of mandatory traffic signs include turn right only, ahead only, pass either side, 60km/h minimum speed freeway, travel in the direction of arrows around the roundabout, keep right, and keep left.
| Sign | Description | Symbol |
| Ahead Only | This sign is used to indicate that drivers must continue straight ahead. It is a circular sign with a blue background and a white arrow pointing straight ahead |  |
| Turn Right | This sign is used to indicate that drivers must turn right at the intersection. It is a circular sign with a blue background and a white arrow pointing to the right |  |
| Pass either side | This sign is used to indicate that drivers may pass other vehicles on either side. It is a circular sign with a blue background and a white arrow pointing to the left and right. |  |
| Roundabout |  |
|
| Tram Only |  |
|
| Turn right ahead (left if Symbol is reversed) | ||
| Keep left | ||
| Keep right | ||
| Used in Temporary Situations | ||
| Priority to oncoming traffic | ||
| 60 kmh minimum speed limit freeway |
Turn Right Only Sign: This sign is used to indicate that drivers must turn right at the intersection. It is a circular sign with a blue background and a white arrow pointing to the right
● Ahead Only Sign: This sign is used to indicate that drivers must continue straight ahead. It is a circular sign with a blue background and a white arrow pointing straight ahead
● Pass Either Side Sign: This sign is used to indicate that drivers may pass other vehicles on either side. It is a circular sign with a blue background and a white arrow pointing to the left and right.
Prohibitory Signs:
Prohibitory signs are used to inform drivers of actions that are not allowed. These signs are usually circular with a red border and a white background. Examples of prohibitory signs in Dubai include:
No U-Turn Sign: This sign is used to indicate that drivers are not allowed to make a U-turn. It is a circular sign with a red border and a white background, with a black U-turn symbol and a red line through it
● No Left Turn Sign: This sign is used to indicate that drivers are not allowed to turn left. It is a circular sign with a red border and a white background, with a black left turn symbol and a red line through it
● No Parking Sign: This sign is used to indicate that parking is not allowed in the area. It is a circular sign with a red border and a white background, with a black “P” symbol and a red line through it
Dubai Parking Control Signs:
Parking control signs are used to inform drivers of parking restrictions and regulations. These signs are usually rectangular with a blue background and a white symbol. Examples of parking control signs in Dubai include:
● Handicapped Parking Sign: This sign is used to indicate parking spaces reserved for handicapped individuals. It is a rectangular sign with a blue background and a white symbol of a wheelchair
● No Parking Sign: This sign is used to indicate that parking is not allowed in the area. It is a rectangular sign with a blue background and a white symbol of a car with a red line through it
Warning Signs:
Warning signs are used to inform drivers of potential hazards or dangers ahead. These signs are usually diamond-shaped with a yellow background and a black symbol. Examples of warning signs in Dubai include:
● Slippery Road Sign: This sign is used to indicate that the road may be slippery due to rain or other weather conditions. It is a diamond-shaped sign with a yellow background and a black symbol of a car skidding
● Pedestrian Crossing Sign: This sign is used to indicate that there is a pedestrian crossing ahead. It is a diamond-shaped sign with a yellow background and a black symbol of a person walking
● Road Narrows Sign: This sign is used to indicate that the road narrows ahead. It is a diamond-shaped sign with a yellow background and a black symbol of two converging lines
Hazard Marker Sign:
Hazard marker signs are used to warn drivers of potential hazards on the road. Examples of such signs include maximum headroom at hazards ahead, curves in the road to the left, curves in the road to the right, and curves or bends in the road.
Trailblazing Sign:
Trailblazing signs have distinctive and recognizable symbols on them and are placed en-route to guide and reassure drivers so that they are on the correct road to reach their required destination. For example, the picture of an airplane is an example of a trailblazing symbol. Here are some common trailblazing signs used in Dubai: Dubai routes, city center, central business district, Dubai
Exit Directions Sign:
Exit direction signs are used to indicate the direction of exits on highways and other major roads. These signs are usually green with white lettering and arrows.
Conclusion:
Traffic and road signs play an important role in ensuring road safety in Dubai. They provide drivers with important information about the road ahead, such as speed limits, road conditions, and directions. They also help to regulate traffic flow and prevent accidents. Understanding and following traffic signs is essential for safe driving in Dubai. By following traffic signs and regulations, drivers can help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.
