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Dubai: 15-year-old badminton player killed in e-scooter accident
The badminton community is in mourning, with tributes pouring in from fellow athletes and coaches
- PUBLISHED: Thu 27 Feb 2025, 4:30 PM
A 15-year-old Indian student and badminton prodigy tragically passed away in an e-scooter incident near Al Nahda, close to Zulekha Hospital, on the evening of February 25. Details surrounding the accident remain unclear at this time. A funeral was held at Qusais Cemetery in Dubai after Asr prayers on February 27.
Initial reports indicate that the young female athlete—celebrated for her “remarkable talent and humility”—succumbed to injuries sustained in the road accident.
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The badminton community in Dubai is in mourning, with tributes pouring in from fellow athletes and coaches who remember her vibrant spirit and dedication to the sport.
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“(She) was a bright, talented, and humble athlete, and her passing is a great loss to the badminton community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her parents and family. We pray for her soul to rest in peace and for God to give her father, mother, and brother the strength to navigate this difficult time,” said a message shared with Khaleej Times.
Last year, Dubai witnessed 254 accidents related to bicycles and e-scooters, resulting in 10 deaths and 259 injuries, including 17 severe injuries, 133 moderate injuries, and 109 minor injuries.
Statistics culled from the recently uploaded Ministry of Interior (MoI) have revealed that the cases of road accidents and fatalities have increased across the UAE.
A total of 384 road deaths were recorded in 2024, up by 32 cases or 9 per cent more compared to 352 fatalities in 2023. This is also 12 per cent higher or 41 more than the 343 recorded in 2022.
There were 19 fatalities involving micro-mobility vehicles (such as e-scooters), accounting for 5% of all road deaths. This represents an increase from the previous year, when micro-mobility accidents accounted for 4% of the total fatalities in 2023.
Traffic regulations, penalties
Through several campaigns, authorities have emphasised safety requirements for cyclists and e-scooter users. Riders must wear approved helmets and reflective vests, attach bright white lights to the front of bicycles and red lights to the back, and ensure bicycles are equipped with functional brakes.
There are penalties for violating these safety rules. Riding a bicycle outside designated paths will incur a Dh300 fine, as will cycling or using an electric scooter on roads with speed limits above 60 km/h.
Other violations include non-compliance with the technical requirements specified by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which results in a Dh200 fine.
Officials have also cautioned against carrying passengers on bicycles or electric scooters that lack the necessary equipment or do not comply with helmet and vest regulations. Non-compliance will incur a Dh200 fine, while carrying a passenger on an electric scooter will result in a Dh300 fine.
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.