Dubai: Will I have to pay traffic fines if friend breaks rules with my car?

Question: I am leaving the UAE and going back to the UK due to some personal reasons. I intend to return in a year as I have business interests in the Emirates. Will it be possible to retain my car under my name even though I won’t be having a resident visa? If I let a friend use my car, I am afraid I will be held liable for fines or other traffic offences when I come back. Please advise.

Since you have not specified the Emirate in which the vehicle has been registered under your name, we assume it is in Dubai with the Road and Transport Authority (the RTA).

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In response to your query, it may be noted that an individual may continue having vehicles registered under his or her name, while residing outside the UAE and not having a residence visa. The vehicle is to maintained and kept in conformity with the applicable laws of the UAE. For instance, the vehicle must not cause any form of obstruction to anyone, it must not be in an abandoned condition and it must not be driven with an expired registration and without insurance coverage, to name a few.

Further, as you have mentioned that you plan on allowing your friend to use the vehicle, please note that you shall be responsible for the payment of all vehicle registration costs, parking fees, toll fees and fines, traffic and parking fines.