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Thu, Nov 13, 2025 | Jumada al-Awwal 22, 1447 | Fajr 05:14 | DXB 
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UAE: Traffic fines exempted for some doctors in emergencies; drivers urged to give way
The Bin Wariqa service targets physicians from thirteen essential medical specialties
Thirteen category of doctors in the UAE working in critical medical specialties are granted exclusive traffic privileges under the Ministry of Interior’s innovative 'Bin Wariqa' emergency service. This allows them to drive 40km/hr above the legal speed limit, use the road shoulder, and receive real-time support from traffic patrols when responding to emergency calls.
When a hospital triggers an emergency alert, the doctor activates the service via the app. The ministry’s operations room begins monitoring their route in real-time, dispatching traffic patrols to facilitate smooth and safe passage. Before departure, the doctor must also instal a special triangular tablet device on their vehicle to alert fellow road users.
The initiative was officially launched in July 2020 by Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
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The service, available through the ministry's smart application, aims to ensure safe, unhindered, and rapid transportation of doctors to their workplaces during urgent situations, a vital effort to save lives and support the frontline healthcare response.
Colonel Dr Saeed Mohammed Al-Dhahouri, Director of the Service Development Department at the Ministry of Interior, highlighted the vision behind the programme.
“While the service might be for the doctor’s convenience, the reality is that the true beneficiary is the patient whose life may depend on how quickly the doctor can arrive,” he said.
The Bin Wariqa service targets physicians from thirteen essential medical specialties. Doctors interested in joining must meet a strict set of criteria, including holding a valid medical license, prior approval, and completing a specialised emergency driving course.
“These doctors often face serious challenges getting through traffic, especially when minutes can make the difference between life and death. This service was created to remove those obstacles while upholding the highest safety standards,” said Al-Dhahouri.
A green license plate and the triangular display on the vehicle help signal urgency to other drivers, encouraging them to clear the way.
“We urge the public to cooperate when they see a Bin Wariqa-registered vehicle. It’s not just a car, it’s a mission to save someone’s life,” Al-Dhahouri stressed.
He added that Ministerial Resolution No. 248 of 2020 governs the road usage exemptions, including the use of hard shoulders and bus lanes, ensuring the programme operates within strict regulatory guidelines.
Since its rollout, the service has seen high levels of doctor engagement, with over 97 per cent of the targeted medical professionals registered. The ministry is now exploring plans to expand the programme to include additional specialties.
“We’ve already reduced response times by 30 per cent, and we are continuously improving the service based on feedback from doctors and stakeholders,” Al-Dhahouri said, noting that even officials from neighboring Gulf countries have expressed interest in adopting the initiative.
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Waad Barakat
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.
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