The embassy’s request followed increasing numbers of traffic violations committed by Saudis in the UAE that subjected them to various fines reaching more than SR20,000 during the past two months.

Some of them were sent to traffic courts and others had their vehicles confiscated. The Saudis drive their cars in the UAE the same way they do here, committing so many offenses that to actually respect the rules could almost be considered a gross violation in itself.

I have never visited the UAE before but I heard from those who did that it has a very strict traffic system. The Emiratis thoroughly apply the traffic rules.

This makes traffic movement in the country very organized. People there respect the traffic rules because they are well aware that any violation of these rules will subject them to harsh punishments.

The problem Saudi citizens have in following traffic rules in the UAE does not stem from the fact that these rules are strict or Saudis are being targeted, but from our chaotic driving behavior which we are used to in our country without any fear of punishment. We do not hesitate to park in the wrong places, overtake each other at traffic signals or reverse on a busy road.

We are very selfish in our use of the roads as if they were made for us alone. We do not avoid talking on the mobile or sending messages while driving. We change lanes without any indication.

We commit these traffic violations in front of traffic police who turn a blind eye and a deaf ear except in very few cases. Regrettably, some traffic police officers commit the same violations. The only traffic violation which we have some control over is speeding through the Saher system.

Asking others to explain their traffic laws cannot solve the problem of Saudis violating traffic rules in the UAE. The traffic rules in force in the country are not exceptions or something that has come out of the blue.  The country is just applying the rules implemented everywhere in the world including our country. The only difference is that the UAE is very firm in its application of traffic rules, while for us these rules (which are the same) exist only on paper.

I can point an accusing finger at the traffic police in our country. They should be more consistent in applying the rules and regulations the same way their counterparts in the UAE are doing.

Our traffic police should clearly define the lanes and maximum speed. It should also place signboards clearly indicating the punishment for each violation. Without this, we will not be able to rectify our erroneous traffic behavior, which is embarrassing us in brotherly and friendly countries.

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