Bump in Dubai? Here's What to Do After a Car Accident
April 25, 2025
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Experiencing a car accident, even a minor fender bender, can be incredibly stressful and jarring 
[27]
[5]
[10]. In a bustling city like Dubai, knowing the correct steps to take immediately afterward is absolutely vital. Following the right procedures isn't just about staying calm; it's crucial for ensuring everyone's safety, complying with UAE law, and making sure your insurance claim goes smoothly [27]
[12]
[29]. This guide walks you through the essential first actions, based directly on the protocols set by Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), so you know exactly what to do if the unexpected happens [27].
Priority #1: Ensure Immediate Safety at the Scene
Your absolute first thought after any collision must be safety – for yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved [5][12]. Stop your vehicle immediately, but only if it's safe to do so without causing further hazard. Take a quick moment to assess how serious the situation is [27]
[28]. If it's a minor accident with no injuries and the cars can still be driven, the priority is to move them off the main road to a safe spot like the shoulder or an emergency lane 
[1][28]
[26]
[8][5][12]. This helps prevent traffic jams and potential secondary accidents [1][28][26][8][5][12]. Once moved, wait for the police at least 15 meters away from your car for safety [26][8].
However, if the accident is more severe, involves injuries, or the vehicles are too damaged to move, do not attempt to move them unless it's absolutely critical for immediate safety (like avoiding a fire) [27][26][8][5]. In this situation, turn off the engine immediately [27]. Regardless of severity, switch on your hazard lights right away to warn other drivers about the obstruction 
[2][5][12]
[20]. Before getting out of your car, carefully check for oncoming traffic. Once it's safe, ensure you and all passengers move to a secure area well away from the flow of traffic [12][20].
Priority #2: Check for Injuries and Call for Medical Help
Once the immediate scene is as safe as possible, check yourself, your passengers, and the people in the other vehicle(s) for any injuries [1][2][12]. Look for obvious signs like cuts or bruises, but also ask everyone if they feel hurt or unwell [2]. Remember, some serious injuries like whiplash or internal issues might not be immediately obvious, so it's always best to be cautious [12].
If anyone is injured, even if it seems minor, you must call for an ambulance immediately [27][28][2]. The dedicated emergency number for ambulance services throughout the UAE, including Dubai, is 998 [2][26]
[11]
[30]
[15]. When you call, be ready to provide a clear and precise location of the accident and details about the injuries 
[14]. If someone appears seriously injured, do not attempt to move them unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., risk of fire) [26][8][12]. Moving someone with a potential spinal injury, for instance, could cause further harm; wait for the trained paramedics to arrive [26][8][12].
Priority #3: Contacting the Dubai Police - It's Mandatory
Here's a critical point: reporting the accident to the Dubai Police is legally required for all traffic accidents in the UAE, no matter how minor they seem – even just a scratch [1][28][2][5][12]. You absolutely need an official police report to make any insurance claim or to get your vehicle repaired at a garage [1][27][29][5][20]
[22]. Garages in the UAE are legally prohibited from carrying out accident repairs without this report [27][28][20].
For major accidents – those involving injuries, significant vehicle damage, or where vehicles are blocking the road – you must call the Dubai Police emergency number 999 immediately [1][27][2]
[3][26]
[7][8][5][12][14][20]. Clearly state your location, whether there are injuries, and the general situation [26][8]. Police and ambulance services will be dispatched [27][28][5]. However, for minor accidents (no injuries, minor damage, and usually agreement on fault), you should not call 999, as this line is reserved for emergencies [27][28][7][5]. Instead, use the alternative reporting methods discussed in the next section [1][27][28][2][29]. Crucially, never leave the scene of an accident before the police arrive (for major incidents) or before you've successfully filed a report through other channels (for minor ones), unless instructed by the police [26][8]
[13]. Leaving the scene, particularly if someone is injured, carries severe legal penalties, including hefty fines and potential jail time 
[6]. When the police do arrive, cooperate fully, provide accurate information, and have your documents ready [5][12]. For general, non-emergency police inquiries, use the number 901 [27][28][15].
Reporting Minor Accidents: Using the Dubai Police App & Other Channels
To keep traffic flowing and make things easier for drivers involved in minor bumps, Dubai Police has introduced streamlined digital reporting options 
[4]
[18]. You should use these methods – primarily the Dubai Police app – under specific conditions. These generally include situations where no one is injured [1][28][4][5]
[24], the damage is minor or cosmetic [1][28][22], between two and five vehicles are involved [4], the parties involved agree on who was at fault [20]
[31], and the accident wasn't caused by driving under the influence of alcohol [27][24]. If there's a disagreement about fault, you'll likely need to go to a police station instead [27][24].
Using the Dubai Police app ('Dubai Police' on app stores) is straightforward [27][2][4][6]. Open the app, find the "Report Traffic Accident" service [1][27][28][4][7], and confirm your location (allow location services) [27][7]. You'll need to enter your vehicle plate number, driving license number, and the same details for the other vehicle(s) involved [27][28][6][7]. The app requires you to upload clear photos of the damage to all vehicles, making sure the license plates are visible [1][27][28][4][7][22]
[23]. You might need to indicate which party was at fault [4][22]. Finally, provide your mobile number and email address to receive the report [27][4], then submit the details [1][28][24]. After submission, you'll get an SMS with a reference number, and the official report usually follows via SMS or email within 24 hours [27][4][22][23]. There's a fee for the report (around AED 520), typically paid by the party deemed at fault [27][24]. Besides the app, you can also report minor accidents via the Dubai Police website, select ENOC petrol stations ('On-The-Go' service), Smart Police Stations (SPS), or by visiting a traditional police station, especially if fault is disputed [1][27][28][6][24].
Priority #4: Document the Scene & Exchange Information
Gathering information right after an accident is vital for both the police report and your subsequent insurance claim [29][5][13]
[25]. Use your smartphone to take plenty of clear photos [29][3][5][12][13]
[17][25]
[21]. Capture the scene from different angles, get close-ups of the damage on all vehicles involved, and take wider shots showing the final positions of the cars and their surroundings [5][12][25][23]. Critically, ensure the license plates of all vehicles are clearly visible in your photos [3][5][12][21]. These photos are often required when reporting minor accidents via the app [27][28].
Next, calmly exchange essential details with the other driver(s) [5][12][17]. You'll need to get their: Full Name [5][12][17], Contact Number [5][13][17], Driving License Number [28][29], Vehicle Registration Number (Plate Number) [27][5][13], Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya) Details [2][5], and their Insurance Company Name and Policy Number [3][5][17]. If there were any witnesses, try to get their names and contact information too, as their statements could be helpful [13][17]. Make sure you have your own documents ready: Emirates ID (if resident), Driving License, and Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya) [2]. Tourists should have their passport, driving license, and insurance details handy [2]. One important tip: while you must cooperate, avoid admitting fault or blaming others at the scene [17]. Let the police officially determine liability based on their investigation [29]
[19].
Next Steps: The Police Report and Insurance
Let's reiterate: obtaining that official police report is absolutely non-negotiable for any insurance claim or vehicle repair following an accident in the UAE [2][29][3][6][5][13][19][22][27][28][20]. Whether you called 999 for a major incident or used the app for a minor one, securing this report is your gateway to the next steps [29][13][22]. Once you have the police report (either physically or digitally), you need to notify your car insurance company promptly [29][3][10][12][13][17][20]. Most insurers have specific timeframes for reporting claims, often within 24 hours or a few days, so don't delay [10][12][19][13][3]. They will then guide you through their specific claim process, which typically involves submitting the police report and other documents, vehicle inspection, and repair authorization [29][3]
[9][13]
[16][17][21][19].
Knowing these immediate steps – prioritizing safety, checking for injuries and calling 998 if needed, contacting the police via 999 or the appropriate channel for minor incidents, and documenting everything – can make a huge difference during a stressful time [27][28][29]. Staying as calm as possible and following these procedures methodically is key [27][28][29]. It’s wise to save the emergency numbers (999 for Police, 998 for Ambulance) in your phone and consider downloading the Dubai Police app proactively, just in case. Drive safely, and be prepared.
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