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Wed, Jan 14, 2026 | Rajab 25, 1447 | Fajr 05:45 | DXB 
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Dubai: Hundreds of bicycles, e-scooters seized daily; business owners seek clarity on law
Traders are not opposed to regulations but are seeking a better understanding of the rules, as they rely heavily on these bikes to run their businesses
Businesses in Dubai’s Naif area are seeking guidelines on using bicycles and e-scooters as authorities continue to crack down on their improper use. According to traders, hundreds of bicycles and trolleys are seized daily.
In September, the Dubai Police said they confiscated nearly 3,800 e-scooters and bicycles in Naif for multiple violations, including use in non-designated areas like roads and pedestrian lanes. A senior police officer said that such vehicles pose a “significant danger” when used in this manner and “confuse” road users. In the first six months of 2024, four people died and 25 got injured in separate accidents involving e-scooters and bicycles across Dubai.
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Naif, a dense commercial hub known for its hardware, electronics, and building material shops, relies on bicycles for daily operations. Congested streets make cars impractical for short-distance errands, making bicycles necessary for delivering invoices, collecting goods, and making bank runs.
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Business owners said the crackdown has created confusion. “If there’s a ban, authorities should officially announce it. Right now, we’re left guessing. Bicycles are essential to our business,” said Saifuddin Khomosi, a hardware store owner.
Murtaza, a shop owner who lost two bicycles last week, described how the arrival of Emirates Auction teams creates panic. “Shop staff abandon their tasks to hide their bicycles, and businesses come to a standstill.”
Traders claimed that bicycles padlocked inside buildings were seized as well. Hatim Al Anwar, who has run a hardware shop on Nakheel Road for 22 years, said, “We have no choice but to buy new ones because we can’t operate without them. Bicycles are the lifeline of our business.”
These affected individuals are not against regulations but need clear rules for better understanding. “If bicycles are banned, make it official or tell us how to comply if they are allowed,” said Khomosi.
Authorities have previously highlighted the rules e-scooters and cycle riders need to follow. These include riding in designated lanes set by the licensing authority, avoiding jogging or walking lanes, not carrying passengers or goods that affect balance, not riding against the traffic, dismounting at pedestrian crossings, and wearing safety gear.
Fines of up to Dh300 are imposed for penalties like using them on public roads and reckless riding.
Emirates Auction declined to disclose the number of bicycles seized daily, citing confidentiality. It said that confiscations are carried out based on instructions from the relevant UAE authorities.
Mazhar Farooqui
Mazhar Farooqui, or Maz, is a multiple award-winning investigative journalist and Senior Editor at Khaleej Times. Renowned for exposing corruption and uncovering major scams, he is also the author of The Maz Files: Scoops, Scams & Showdowns.
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