UAE companies brace for impact of nine-hour limits on driving

UAE companies are preparing for the impending impact of new regulations limiting drivers' hours to nine hours per day. Transport analysts view the move as a positive step towards improving road safety and work-life balance for drivers. The regulations, set to take effect from January 1, could potentially reduce driver fatigue and give them more time outside of work, according to transport experts.

Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of Road Safety UAE, welcomed the new regulations, praising tachographs as "of central importance" to implementation. Tachographs are devices in vehicles that record distance, speed, and hours driven, helping to monitor driver compliance with the new limits.

Joseph Salem, a partner and head of the travel, transportation, and hospitality practice at Arthur D Little in Dubai, explained that the new rule applies to all drivers, both private and professional. He emphasized that the measure will be particularly beneficial for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), which have seen an increase in accidents in recent years. In 2024, there were 325 HGV accidents in the UAE, compared to 207 in 2022.

Fatigue, which impairs reaction time, can be as dangerous as substance abuse, according to Salem. The new regulations will provide a clear, measurable threshold for driver fatigue, leading to a significant improvement in road safety. GPS software can be used to warn drivers when they are nearing their limit, and digital technology can help enforce the new rules.

However, there are concerns about the potential financial impact on drivers and transport companies. Many drivers are paid on a commission model, so the new limit could significantly reduce their revenue. Employers must ensure that adequate compensation or incentives are provided to offset the loss of earnings due to the new regulations.

Fatigue is a common issue in the HGV sector, as driving is a repetitive and monotonous task that can lead to driver fatigue, according to Dr. Iuliana Hartescu, a senior lecturer in psychology at Loughborough University. Implementing a limit on driver hours is a positive step towards addressing this issue and improving work-life balance for professional drivers.