Drunk driving in UAE: Woman to pay Dh200,000 blood money after pedestrian dies

She said she was surprised to find pedestrians standing in the middle of the road

Last updated: September 30, 2025 | 12:15

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One of the victims died from severe injuries, while the other two suffered varying degrees of harm

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The Dubai Court of Misdemeanour has convicted a woman of causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence of alcohol, ordering her to pay a Dh10,000 fine and Dh200,000 in blood money to the family of the deceased, Al Khaleej Arabic daily reported.

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The court held the woman responsible for vehicle damages in the multi-car collision. The accident occurred late at night when the woman, an Arab national, consumed alcohol before driving on a two-way side street in the Al Qudra area. She lost control of her vehicle, colliding with another car, which was pushed into a streetlight and a parked vehicle before striking a third car. Her car then veered again, hitting three pedestrians. One of the victims died from severe injuries, while the other two suffered varying degrees of harm.

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Medical reports confirmed that she was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, a fact she admitted during police investigations. She told authorities that she was surprised to find pedestrians standing in the middle of the road.

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The court found her liable for the crash, citing her intoxication and failure to exercise caution. It also noted that the two surviving pedestrians contributed partially to the incident by standing in the road outside designated crossing areas, which placed themselves and others at risk. In addition to the fines and blood money, the court held her responsible for damages to the vehicles involved.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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