Saw a Road Accident in the UAE? What to Do, and the New First Aid Rule From 2027

It happens in seconds. Brakes screech, metal crunches, and suddenly there’s a car on its side up ahead. Your heart races. Should you stop? Should you help? What if you make it worse?

Most of us have never been taught what to do. And from 1 January 2027, there’s a new rule to know too: only people with a valid first aid certificate may give first aid at UAE road accidents.

Here’s a calm, simple guide to what every driver, passenger and passer-by should do.

Quick answer: If you see a road accident in the UAE, stop only if it’s safe, turn on your hazard lights and call 999 (police) or 998 (ambulance). Give the exact location. Don’t move injured people unless there’s immediate danger, like fire. From 1 January 2027, under Article 13 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, you may give first aid only if you hold a valid, accredited first aid certificate and are physically able to help. Never film or crowd around the scene.

Step 1: Keep Yourself Safe

You can’t help anyone if you get hurt too. Before you do anything:

1. Don’t stop in a fast lane. Pull over well ahead of the crash, on the hard shoulder if possible.
2. Turn on your hazard lights.
3. Check for danger: moving traffic, fire, smoke, leaking fuel or fallen power lines.
4. Get out on the side away from traffic, and stand behind a barrier if there is one.
5. At night or in rain, take extra care. Visibility is poor and other drivers may not see you.

Step 2: Call for Help Straight Away

When you call, stay calm and tell the operator:

• Exactly where you are: the road name, direction, nearest exit or landmark. A map pin from your phone helps.
• What happened and how many vehicles are involved.
• How many people are hurt, and whether anyone is trapped, unconscious or not breathing.
• Any dangers, like fire or fuel leaks.

Then stay on the line and follow the operator’s instructions. They’re trained to guide you.

Step 3: First Aid, and the New 2027 Rule

Under the new UAE traffic regulations, which start on 1 January 2027, a person may give first aid to someone injured in a road accident only if:

• They hold an accredited certificate showing they’ve completed a first aid training course
• The certificate is still valid, if it has an expiry date
• They have the physical ability to respond properly to the injured person’s condition

The rule recognises that trained bystanders can save lives in the first minutes after a crash, before paramedics arrive. It also aims to prevent well-meaning but untrained people from accidentally causing harm, for example by moving someone with a neck or spine injury.

Not certified? You can still help in safe, important ways: call 999 or 998, keep the area safe, warn approaching traffic, comfort the injured person with your words, and follow the emergency operator’s instructions until help arrives.

This rule is one of several changes in the new traffic rules for 2027.

What NOT to Do at an Accident Scene

1. Don’t move injured people, unless there’s an immediate danger like fire. Moving them can make spinal injuries worse.
2. Don’t remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless you’re trained and it’s necessary.
3. Don’t give food or drink to injured people.
4. Don’t film or take photos. Sharing images of accident victims can break UAE privacy rules and causes real distress to families.
5. Don’t crowd the scene. Gathering at accident sites blocks emergency vehicles, and drivers who slow down or stop to watch can be fined.
6. Don’t block the road for ambulances, police or rescue teams.

If You’re Involved in a Minor Accident

If you’re in a small accident and nobody is hurt:

1. Check everyone is okay.
2. Move the cars to the side of the road if it’s safe, so traffic can flow.
3. Take photos of the vehicles and damage (not of people) for your insurance.
4. Report it. In Dubai and other emirates, many minor accidents can be reported through the police apps. Otherwise, call 999.
5. Swap details with the other driver, and contact your insurer.

Leaving cars blocking the road after a minor accident can lead to a fine, so move aside when it’s safe to do so. You can check any fines later in the official apps. Our guide to traffic fines explains how.

How to Get a First Aid Certificate

With the new rule coming, now is a great time to learn first aid. Courses are short, often a day or two, and teach skills that can save a life at home, at work or on the road.

• Look for accredited first aid courses from recognised training providers in your emirate.
• Ask whether the certificate has an expiry date, and set a reminder to renew it.
• Ask your employer. Many companies run first aid training for staff.
• Consider a course that includes CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Before booking, check the provider is properly accredited, since the new rule depends on holding an accredited certificate.

Prevention Is Still the Best First Aid

Most crashes are avoidable. Keep a safe distance, don’t use your phone while driving, slow down in bad weather (read our tips on driving in the rain), and never drive when you’re too tired. From 2027, the new rules also limit driving to nine hours in any 24-hour period.

And if you are ever hurt in an accident, emergency treatment is covered by most health insurance plans in the UAE. Keep your insurance card or app handy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Word: Stay Calm, Call First

You don’t need to be a hero at an accident scene. The most important things are simple: stay safe, call 999 or 998, and follow the operator’s advice. If you want to do more, take an accredited first aid course before 2027. It’s a small investment of time that could one day save a life.

Official sources: Ministry of Interior and WAM.

This article is for general information and is not medical training. Always call emergency services in an emergency and follow their instructions. Based on official announcements up to 10 November 2026. Last updated: 10 November 2026.