Dubai schools to reopen with 253 patrols and 28 drones on roads
Authorities target smoother traffic and safer journeys around school zones
DUBAI – Dubai is stepping up security and traffic measures as schools prepare to reopen on August 31 for the 2026-27 academic year.
Dubai Police will deploy hundreds of patrols, drones and personnel around schools to manage traffic, improve safety and support students during the busy morning and afternoon periods.
The operation comes alongside road improvements by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, with school zones receiving additional infrastructure upgrades during the summer break.
Police deployment
Dubai Police will deploy 253 security and traffic patrols around schools, supported by 28 drones monitoring traffic and key locations.
The operation will also include four luxury patrols, five mounted patrols and 65 bicycles to strengthen the police presence around schools.
A total of 775 police personnel will participate directly in activities targeting students and educational staff.
#News | Dubai Police’s ‘School Security’ Announces Readiness for the New Academic Year
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) August 26, 2026
Details: https://t.co/veZ2Hnw6Bd#SchoolSecurity#BackToSchool pic.twitter.com/jbIzF3J9Lk
The School Security initiative will also involve 217 students from the Safety Ambassadors programme.
Police have planned 30 awareness programmes with 16 partner entities, while 19 events will be held on the first day of school under the School Security initiative.
Traffic safety
The first-day activities will place particular emphasis on traffic safety around schools.
Students and parents will be encouraged to use designated pedestrian crossings, while motorists are being reminded to slow down, remain alert and follow traffic signs and signals.
Police will also introduce students to Dubai Police services and communication channels as part of the wider awareness campaign.
The operation is designed to improve traffic flow during peak periods while creating a safer environment for students, teachers and parents.
Road upgrades
RTA has separately completed traffic improvements at six school-zone locations across Dubai, benefiting more than 10 schools.
The locations include Wadi Al Safa 4, Al Barsha, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Studio City and Al Sufouh.
Among the projects was a new road connection between Al Qudra Road and Hessa Street through Dubai Motor City and Dubai Studio City, designed to improve access around GEMS Metropole School - Motor City.
RTA also doubled the parking capacity at Horizon International School in Umm Al Sheif. Improvements were also made around the Al Barsha South schools complex, The International School of Choueifat - Dubai in Al Sufouh and GEMS Winchester School - Dubai in Wadi Al Safa 4.
The authority said the works were carried out during the summer break to minimise disruption to normal traffic.
Reminder for motorists
RTA has urged parents and school-bus drivers to use designated pick-up and drop-off areas and avoid random stopping or parking.
Drivers have also been reminded to stop when school buses display warning signs or signals, reduce speed around school areas and remain alert for children and pedestrians.
Dubai Police is also urging motorists to make August 31 an Accident-Free Day. Eligible motorists who participate in the campaign and meet its conditions can have four traffic points removed from their driving records.
With school traffic returning after the summer break, authorities are calling on motorists to allow additional travel time, particularly around school zones during drop-off and pick-up periods.