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In Dubai, Crosswalk Safety Gets a Ground-Level Upgrade

In Dubai, Crosswalk Safety Gets a Ground-Level Upgrade

by SERNIS07 January 20265 min read

In the heart of Dubai, where modern architecture meets relentless traffic, pedestrian safety faces unique challenges. Crosswalks must compete for attention in an environment of constant motion, cars, buses, delivery trucks, and the occasional impatient driver rushing to their next destination. In such a setting, every fraction of a second matters. The clearer the signal, the quicker the driver’s reaction. That is why Dubai turned to SERNIS’ SR-50-RYG, a robust road stud that displays the same red, amber, and green sequence as the traffic lights, but right where drivers are already looking: the road ahead.

In the heart of Dubai, where modern architecture meets relentless traffic, pedestrian safety faces unique challenges. Crosswalks must compete for attention in an environment of constant motion, cars, buses, delivery trucks, and the occasional impatient driver rushing to their next destination.

In such a setting, every fraction of a second matters. The clearer the signal, the quicker the driver’s reaction. That is why Dubai turned to SERNIS’ SR-50-RYG, a robust road stud that displays the same red, amber, and green sequence as the traffic lights, but right where drivers are already looking: the road ahead.

From concept to reality in Dubai’s streets
This is not theory. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has already installed the SR-50-RYG at multiple pedestrian crossings, embedding the signals directly into the tarmac. Phase Two of the project ended on June and added 10 more crossings, bringing the total to 27 sites now equipped with SR-50-RYG road studs across the emirate.

Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Intelligent Traffic Management Department, RTA, explains:
“The Smart Pedestrian Signals technology is operated by a system reliant on sensors connected to a ground optical system synchronized with the signal’s light operation. It perceives pedestrian movement before and during crossing, significantly enhancing pedestrian safety while boosting traffic efficiency and ensuring better management of signal timing.”
The idea is elegantly simple: when the traffic light turns green, so does the road stud. Amber? The stud mirrors that. Red? The unmistakable glow appears at wheel level, directly in the driver’s path. By reinforcing the message from above with light from below, the crossing becomes harder to miss, harder to misinterpret, and harder to ignore.

Why the SR-50-RYG works where others struggle
The Dubai climate can be merciless. Summer temperatures push the limits of most equipment. Fine dust drifts through every gap. Heavy trucks pound the roads day and night. Any solution that hopes to survive here must be engineered for extremes: and the SR-50-RYG is built exactly for that.
- Its IP68 sealing ensures no dust or water intrusion.
- Stainless steel and polycarbonate construction withstands constant stress.
- With mechanical resistance up to 160 tons, it shrugs off the heaviest vehicles.
- Rising only 4 mm above the surface, it’s safe for all road users and even snowplow-ready for colder climates.
In other words, if it works here, it will work anywhere.

Zero Accidents and Measurable Impact
The results speak for themselves. Al Ali adds:
“The system proved effective in improving pedestrian safety for those who require more time to cross—elderly residents, people of determination, or individuals with luggage or pushchairs. Since the introduction of smart pedestrian signals, no pedestrian accidents have occurred at the equipped crossings. Vehicle flow has also improved, as the system adapts traffic light timing when no pedestrians are detected.”

Beyond the crossing – a vision for safer roads
The SR-50-RYG is more than a piece of hardware. It’s a philosophy of layered safety. Drivers don’t always catch the traffic light in their peripheral vision, especially in poor visibility from rain, dust storms, or low sun glare.
By adding a second, ground-level signal, you increase redundancy. It’s like having a co-pilot in every lane, quietly reminding drivers of the rules at the very moment they matter most.
It’s a small change that can transform driver’s behavior, reduce violations, and give pedestrians a little more peace of mind when stepping onto the road.

Why choose SERNIS for your project
When SERNIS develops a road safety solution, it’s not about quick fixes. It’s about engineering products that last, perform, and adapt to local challenges, whether that’s the heat of Dubai, the snow of Northern Europe, or the heavy rains of Southeast Asia.

From design and manufacturing in Portugal to installation support worldwide, we ensure every SR-50-RYG delivers the same uncompromising quality. And we don’t just sell a product, we work with our partners to tailor each installation to the needs of their roads, traffic patterns, and safety goals.

The future is already here — will your city be next?
In Dubai, drivers are already seeing the difference. Pedestrians are crossing with greater confidence. And the SR-50-RYG quietly does its job, day and night, without fuss.

The question is no longer whether this technology works, it’s whether your city can afford not to have it.
Contact the SERNIS team today at sernis@sernis.com to explore how the SR-50-RYG can be integrated into your crossings.
The next safer street could be yours.