Mandatory Compliance Notice: Forklift Operations at Dubai Food District (HSE & RTA Licensing Requirements)
Following recent Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) inspections at Dubai Food District (DFD), critical compliance gaps have been identified in forklift operations. These gaps create legal and safety risks for our facility and all tenants. Immediate corrective action is required to ensure full compliance with both local traffic regulations and HSE standards.
1. COMPLIANCE GAPS IDENTIFIED
During the HSE inspection, the following issues were identified:
- Forklift operators without valid RTA licenses
- Missing Third-Party annual inspection certificates for equipment
- Forklifts not registered with RTA where applicable
- Incomplete or missing maintenance and inspection records for equipment
2. WHY THIS IS REQUIRED
This compliance is mandatory under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation:
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Article 8 - Driving License Requirement No person shall drive a vehicle unless he holds a valid Driving Licence that entitles him to drive the same type of vehicle he is driving. He shall carry the Licence while driving the vehicle, and the Traffic Control Authority or whoever it authorises has the right to request that it be presented for Inspection. No person responsible for a vehicle may allow it to be driven by someone who does not hold a Driving Licence that authorises him to drive the same type of vehicle in accordance with the provisions of this Decree-Law and its Executive Regulations. Article 17 - Vehicle Registration Requirement No vehicle be driven or to allow others to drive it on the Road unless it is registered and licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Decree-Law, its Executive Regulations and the decisions issued in implementation thereof. |
Where forklifts operate on shared logistics circulation routes, external access roads, or any areas designated as Roads or vehicle movement routes within Dubai Food District premises, compliance with applicable RTA licensing and vehicle registration requirements is mandatory, in addition to all DP World HSE compliance standards.
3. MANDATORY ACTIONS YOU MUST TAKE
Each tenant operating forklifts must complete the following by the deadline:
- Ensure all forklift operators hold the appropriate (light/heavy equipment) valid RTA licenses
- Obtain and maintain valid Third-Party annual inspection certificates
- Register forklifts with RTA (where applicable)
- Maintain complete records of maintenance and inspection for equipment and staff
COMPLIANCE DEADLINE: 1 JUNE 2026
4. NEED HELP?
For any queries, please visit the DFD Facility Management and HSE Department.
