Starting January 1, 2027, the UAE will implement a new federal traffic regulation limiting motorists to a maximum of nine hours of driving within any 24-hour window. According to Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, this mandate applies to all drivers rather than just commercial operators, aiming to curb accidents caused by exhaustion. Authorities have clarified that this rule does not replace the existing prohibition on driving while dangerously fatigued; motorists are legally obligated to stop if they feel drowsy, even if they have been on the road for less than the nine-hour limit.

This policy shift comes as the Ministry of Interior reports 20 fatigue-related accidents occurred in 2025 alone. Experts from RoadSafetyUAE emphasize that physical signs of tiredness—such as frequent yawning, drifting lanes, or memory lapses—are often ignored by drivers who underestimate their own impairment. To ensure road safety, officials strongly recommend that drivers prioritize seven to eight hours of sleep before traveling and take regular 15-minute breaks every two hours. Relying on temporary fixes like fresh air or loud music is discouraged, as a brief rest is the only effective remedy for driver fatigue.