After a minor accident in the UAE: step by step

A small bump is stressful, but the UAE has clear processes, and most minor accidents can now be reported through official apps. Knowing the steps keeps you safe, calm and covered for insurance.

First: is anyone hurt?

• u.ae says that if anyone is injured, leave all vehicles where they are and wait for an ambulance.
• Call 999 (police) or 998 (ambulance) from anywhere in the UAE, describe the accident, give your location and wait for instructions (u.ae).
• Switch on your hazard lights and keep yourself and passengers away from traffic.
• Do not move injured people unless they are in immediate danger (UK Highway Code rule 283, which matches first aid advice).

No injuries: clear the road

• u.ae says that for a minor accident with no injuries, move your car to the shoulder to keep traffic flowing, then wait at least 15 metres from your car.
• Gulf News reports that Abu Dhabi Police ask drivers to move vehicles to the nearest safe spot, and that stopping in the road without justification is an offence.
• Before moving, take a few quick photos of the vehicle positions and damage if it is safe to do so. The reporting apps ask for photos of the damage; photograph the vehicles, not other people.
• Stay calm and polite. Do not argue about blame at the roadside; the report and insurers will deal with that.

Reporting it

• Dubai: Gulf News (2022) describes reporting minor accidents through the Dubai Police app (via 'Police Eye' then 'Traffic Reports'), the Dubai Police website, or the non-emergency number 901.
• Abu Dhabi: since 1 August 2024, Abu Dhabi Police have asked drivers not to call 999 for minor accidents and to use the Saaed app instead (Gulf News).
• Other emirates: Gulf News (2022) describes the MOI UAE app, which you register for with UAE PASS or your Emirates ID, for minor accident reports.
• u.ae also says minor accidents can be reported online through the u.ae portal.
• Apps and processes change. Check the current method on the official police app or u.ae before you need it.

Documents to have

• Abu Dhabi's Saaed app asks you to upload your driving licence and vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) (Gulf News, 2024). Keep these, and your Emirates ID, easy to reach.
• The reporting apps ask for both vehicles' plate numbers and photos of the damage on each car.
• Exchange details with the other driver: name, phone number, plate number and insurance company.
• Keep the accident report you receive. Gulf News notes it is what insurers and garages use for repair claims.

Afterwards

• Contact your insurer with the report number as soon as possible. In a rental car, contact the rental company first (Gulf News).
• Gulf News reports that UAE garages may not repair a car showing accident damage without an official report, so do not skip the report even for small damage.
• Never drive away from an accident without reporting it: leaving the scene is a serious offence in the UAE.
• If you feel shaken, do not drive on straight away. Call someone to collect you if needed.