The UAE government passed a new federal traffic law at a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.
The law includes amendments to classify different vehicles on roads and regulate emerging transport technologies.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the legislation aims to keep pace with rapid global changes in transportation means. It addresses the expansion of self-driving vehicles, electric cars and personal modes of transit.
واعتمدنا اليوم أيضاً إصدار قانون اتحادي بشأن السير والمرور والذي يتضمن تعديلات لتصنيف المركبات وتوظيف التقنيات الحديثة في الطرقات بما يواكب التطور السريع الذي تشهده وسائل النقل عالمياً.. التشريع الجديد يواكب التوسع في استخدام مركبات ذاتية القيادة والسيارات الكهربائية ووسائل… pic.twitter.com/IJNxQIkoFb
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) June 10, 2024
“Today, we also approved the issuance of a federal law on traffic, which includes amendments to the classification of vehicles and the use of modern technologies on the roads to keep pace with the rapid development witnessed by means of transportation globally. The new legislation keeps pace with the expansion of the use of self-driving vehicles, electric cars, and personal means of transportation of various types, and reliance on means of transportation. It takes advantage of the technological progress that characterises the country’s road network,” he said via an X post on Monday.
UAE passes new federal traffic law
The new regulations use technological advancements seen across the UAE’s road network. Sheikh Mohammed stated the rules take advantage of progress characterising the country’s infrastructure.
The federal traffic law updates classifications and governs modern options like self-driving cars.
It also facilitates diverse private transportation types. Officials said the revisions ensure regulations match developments in how people traverse the nation.
In other major developments, the UAE government has been updated on achievements made by the Emirates Genome Council.
During a Cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed, ministers were briefed on the Emirati Genome Programme.
The programme has so far collected over 600,000 DNA samples from across the country. It aims to eventually gather and analyse samples from one million Emiratis.
Over 1,000 medical professionals have received training to assist with the programme.
“The contribution of more than 600,000 citizens within this program ensures the development of a clear map of genetic and hereditary diseases in the country… and helps in developing medicines specific to these diseases… and thus better and stronger health care for future generations… and we call on everyone to cooperate with this comprehensive national medical program in a way that makes our society Healthier and our generations healthier,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
The samples will help develop a clearer understanding of genetic and inherited illnesses in the UAE population.
It is hoped this data can assist with creating customised treatments. A pilot pre-marital screening process for genetic conditions will also soon be launched.
The Cabinet meeting approved several other initiatives. A framework for digital government transformation and standards for artificial intelligence usage were also adopted.
Additionally, representatives to interact with the BRICS emerging economies group were named. The UAE recently joined as the first Middle Eastern member. Tourism industry protections and cooperation were also discussed at the session.
