From outlawed event flyers to rooftop satellite dish chaos and even tree-trimming faux pas, Abu Dhabi is tightening the rulebook this May – and your wallet could feel it if you’re not paying attention.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and Abu Dhabi Police have dropped a stack of fresh fines to keep the capital clean, green and serene.
Here’s what to watch out for…
New flyer fines
Thinking of sticking your event poster on a lamppost or sliding flyers under windscreen wipers? Best not. Abu Dhabi has just outlawed unauthorised flyer distribution – and yes, the fines are real.
Whether you’re promoting a garage sale or the gig of the year, you now need explicit permission from the authorities before papering public spaces. Under Clause No. 56 of Law No. 2 of 2012, any printed material slapped onto poles, walls, or vehicles without a green light could cost you:
- Dhs1,000 for the first offence
- Dhs2,000 if you do it again
- Dhs4,000 for a third strike (and any after that)
Abu Dhabi Municipality is rolling out a public awareness campaign, so the message is loud and clear: get the proper permits or get fined. Keep it clean, keep it classy – and keep your promo off people’s windshields.
New rooftop satellite fines
Rooftop starting to look like a satellite dish graveyard? You could be in trouble. Abu Dhabi’s new fine targets messy, unregulated dish installations – and it’s not just about the aesthetics.
Under Clause No. 61 of Law No. 2 of 2012, satellite dishes must follow strict standards set by building owners or authorised reps. That means no dish clusters, no spaghetti cabling and absolutely no balcony DIY setups.
Here’s the fine breakdown:
- Dhs1,000 for your first violation
- Dhs2,000 for round two
- Dhs4,000 if it happens again
The DMT says this move aims to declutter rooftops, boost safety and keep the skyline spick and span. So before you mount that second dish for your secret K-drama binge, double-check if it’s allowed – or pay up.
Fine for damaging native trees
Abu Dhabi has spoken: don’t mess with the trees.
The emirate has introduced a Dhs10,000 fine for anyone who damages or removes three of the UAE’s most iconic indigenous trees – Al Ghaf, Al Samar and Al Sidr. These beauties are more than just pretty foliage; they’re ecological heroes that support biodiversity, shelter wildlife and embody the UAE’s natural heritage.
Now officially coded and numbered by the authorities, these trees are tracked by law. So whether you’re a gardener, landscaper, or just tempted to give your backyard a makeover, make sure none of these protected species are in your path.
This is all part of Abu Dhabi’s bigger eco-picture – one that previously saw fines of up to Dhs1 million for major environmental violations. So save the trees (and your bank account) and leave the pruning to the pros.
Fine for blocking the road after a minor crash
Had a bumper-to-bumper moment? Don’t just sit there – move along or pay the price. Abu Dhabi Police is cracking down on drivers who fail to shift to a safe spot after minor accidents, warning that staying put could land you a Dhs1,000 fine and six black points.
And yes, there’s an app for that. The Saed app lets you report non-injury incidents in just five minutes:
- Tap “Report an Accident”
- Enter your mobile number
- Upload your driver’s licence, car registration and clear photos of the damage
- Hit submit and get your accident report sent straight to WhatsApp
The new rule is all about keeping traffic flowing and roads safer. No injuries? No excuses. Use the app, skip the traffic jam and avoid that hefty fine.
You might also like…
Abu Dhabi’s best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once
Your dinner inspo is sorted
12 fantastic road trips across the GCC
Fill up the tank and go
Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities
Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables
Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital
Peel back the layers of time
