The tragic accident occurred at around 3.00 pm on Thursday, 5 November 2026, on Al Khawaneej Street in the Al Rashidiya area of Dubai. The victim has been identified as Naifa Balkees Hameed, a 21-year-old final-year architecture student at Canadian University Dubai (CUD). Born in Thodupuzha, Kerala, India, she was the youngest child in her family, affectionately called 'Noon' or 'Nooni' by loved ones, and 'Shukku' by a close friend.
Although her father Binu Hameed, mother Zeenath, and other family members had travelled to Kerala for a wedding, Naifa returned to Dubai early with her mother to avoid missing lectures. On the day of the incident, she was driving a car belonging to her brother Nihal Hameed, who had remained in Kerala. The vehicle, which had not been driven for several days, suffered a flat tyre, forcing her to pull over by the roadside.
Father's advice and the fatal crash
Naifa, who had been driving since the age of 18, immediately contacted her father in Kerala to inform him about the situation. Her father advised her to call a roadside assistance service to have the car towed and to take a taxi to university. However, when he called back about five minutes later, there was no response.
Dubai Police later informed the family that she was standing behind her stationary vehicle when a speeding car struck her, killing her on the spot. Police also confirmed that the driver who caused the accident has been arrested.
A beloved student
The Student Affairs Department at Canadian University Dubai issued a condolence message describing her as a 'beloved student.' Professor Sanjeewa Pushpakumara of the university stated that she was a very quiet student who was deeply committed and focused on her studies.
Her family returned to Dubai on 6 November. Following a memorial at an embalming centre on Saturday, her remains were flown back to Kerala, where the final rites were conducted at a mosque in Thodupuzha on Sunday, 8 November. Her family, including her sister-in-law Mariam, have urged motorists to remain vigilant when approaching stopped vehicles and to refrain from reckless driving.
