If you want to look at the numbers it's also interesting to check the evolution.
The number of registered cars in UAE reached 1 million in 1999 with 9000 crashes and 900 deaths.
End 2007 we had 1,7 millions of registered cars, 6800 crashes and 830 deaths.
In addition, since the 1st of march and the increase of minimum fine in Dubai, the amount of deadly accident decreased by 14% (compared to other Emirates).
It takes time to change bad habits, but I'm not sure western countries did evolve faster.
30 years ago being drunk or not wearing the seat belt wasn't a problem in Europe.