As the Eid Al Fitr holiday approaches, Dubai residents are preparing for long road trips, and one accessory is flying off the shelves: dash cams or dashboard cameras.
These devices promise to capture road trip moments and provide crucial evidence in case of accidents, making them a popular choice among motorists.
Mohd Yahya, owner of Al Warqa Car Accessories in Satwa, emphasized the importance of dash cams, stating, “They can help you with your insurance claims, and some – the high-tech ones – can even give you emergency alerts.”
He added that dash cams can serve as a form of insurance for motorists, offering peace of mind during their journeys.
James Abad, a satisfied dash cam user, shared his experience, highlighting how the footage from his device resolved disputes after accidents.
“When another car hits your vehicle, and the other driver doesn’t take responsibility, pull out the footage from your dash cam to show what really happened. The video evidence will resolve the ‘he-did,’ ‘she-did’ argument,” Abad explained.
Echoing similar sentiments, Tan, another motorist, recounted how his dash cam helped him establish fault in a previous accident. Encouraged by his experience, he opted to install one for his daily commute in Dubai.
Yahya revealed that dash cams at his shop range from Dh200 to Dh400, depending on storage capacities and features such as AI technology and parking sensors. He assured customers that these devices are easily installable in cars, making them a convenient addition for motorists.
However, Khalil Ahmed, another dash cam seller, urged caution when using these devices. While it is not illegal to install dash cams in the UAE, he warned that filming someone unknowingly could be considered an invasion of privacy.
UAE authorities have stressed the importance of respecting others’ privacy and have imposed hefty fines for violations.
Ahmed clarified that using dashcam footage solely for submission to authorities or insurance companies, without social media abuse, is permissible. He noted an uptick in dash cam sales during the last week of Ramadan, indicating growing awareness among motorists.
Dubai Police have long supported the use of dash cams as part of their ‘We Are Police’ initiative, encouraging motorists to submit recorded photos, videos, and footage of traffic violations.
They reiterated that no law criminalizes dashboard cameras in the UAE and emphasized the importance of adhering to privacy regulations.
In conclusion, as Dubai residents gear up for Eid Al Fitr road trips, dash cams have emerged as essential accessories, offering not only a means to capture memories but also to provide crucial evidence in case of accidents.
While their benefits are undeniable, motorists are reminded to use them responsibly and within legal boundaries to avoid infringing on others’ privacy rights.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members