Starting from March 29 next year, individuals who turn 17 will be eligible to obtain a UAE driving license, lowering the current minimum age requirement of 18 years. This makes the UAE the first GCC country to reduce the legal driving age. The amendment is part of a comprehensive federal law on traffic regulation announced on Friday, designed to "keep pace with the rapid evolution of transportation worldwide."

For Emirati traffic safety researcher Dr. Mostafa Al Dah, the new regulation aligns with the historical and developmental context of UAE society. He told Khaleej Times: "Growing up, I observed people driving at much younger ages, especially in remote areas where there was a necessity for boys to drive early. Some roads were not fully developed, yet they managed to navigate them." Dr. Al Dah emphasized: "This amendment recognizes that physically, humans can control a car at an earlier age. However, there will be careful monitoring before and after the law's implementation to assess its effectiveness regarding road safety."

Dr. Al Dah, founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and former head of traffic studies at Dubai Police, also suggested the possibility of additional lessons for young learners, similar to practices in Western countries. Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of Road Safety UAE, highlighted the need for better driving school education, ideally starting in schools, similar to countries with lower driving age limits. He also advocated for a staged driving license with restrictions on vehicle size and performance, upgrading to a full license only after a certain number of years and a clean record.

Edelmann noted that in countries granting licenses to those below 18, novice drivers must be accompanied by an adult with a long-standing license. He also recommended mandatory safe driving apps for young drivers, as required by many insurance companies. According to a Ministry of Interior report, young motorists aged 19-29 are the most vulnerable group, accounting for 38% of traffic fatalities in 2023. Edelmann stressed the need for an urgent change in young drivers' attitudes and the implementation of road safety habits from kindergarten and school levels.

Some parents support the idea, believing it fosters independence. Dubai resident Sandra Tan, a mother of two teenagers, said: "If the driver is careful, there should be no objection to granting a license at 17." Robert Andrada, a father of two boys, added: "Age doesn't guarantee safety; it depends on the character and safety awareness of the driver."

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