Starting January 1, 2027, new executive regulations under the UAE's traffic law will cap how many vehicles a single person can register and lower the minimum age for e-scooter riders. The rules stem from Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, issued in October 2026 under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024.

Under the new system, an individual may register up to five vehicles. The first two can be registered without extra charges, but a fee applies for a third, fourth or fifth vehicle. New vehicle registration will cost Dh400, while renewal will cost Dh350 plus a Dh150 inspection fee. Owners of cars no more than six years old from their manufacturing date will have the option of a two-year registration. Right-hand-drive vehicles will only be licensed for display purposes, and vehicles that fail to meet road-safety requirements will not be eligible for registration.

The regulations also lower the minimum age for riding an e-scooter to 15, while making a permit compulsory for the first time. The permit will be valid for three years. Riders must register their scooters with their emirate's licensing authority, and the vehicles must carry a working headlight, tail light, brake light and an audible warning device. E-scooters will only be allowed on designated paths and are barred from roads used by motor vehicles. Similar micro-mobility vehicles such as mopeds will be capped at 45kph, and riders will be required to obey traffic signals like any other road user.

The changes form part of a wider push by the UAE to modernise traffic regulation and improve road safety ahead of 2027.