Dubai Police warn against fake ‘official’ calls
Dubai Police have issued a warning about fraudulent phone calls and fake messages impersonating official entities. This alert aims to raise awareness among residents and businesses in Dubai, as these scams seek to steal personal information, potentially resulting in financial loss and identity theft.
Dubai Police have warned that scammers are reaching out to individuals via phone calls and messages, falsely claiming to represent official organizations. The authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior by calling the e-crime hotline at 901 or using the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app or official website.
Impersonation scams in the UAE frequently use tactics of pressure and urgency, sending messages like “your account will be blocked” or “a fine must be paid immediately” to coerce victims into revealing sensitive information. Dubai Police emphasize an important safety rule: never share one-time passwords (OTPs), PINs, verification codes, or personal identification details with unknown callers or messages, even if the sender’s name or caller ID appears familiar.
For Dubai residents, the risk is elevated as daily life relies extensively on digital services such as online banking, delivery apps, and government e-services. Dubai Police warned that scammers are increasingly using spoofed caller IDs and official-sounding messages to seem authentic, emphasizing that government agencies never ask for OTPs, PINs, or passwords via phone calls or SMS.
If you receive a message claiming to be from an official source, do not click on any unexpected links. Instead, verify the request by visiting official websites or using trusted apps. If you suspect your banking information has been compromised, contact your bank immediately to protect your accounts. Be sure to save screenshots, call logs, and message content to assist with any investigation.
- Authority: Dubai Police
- Warning: Fraudulent calls and fake messages impersonating official entities
- Report by phone: 901
- Report through the official channel: “Police Eye” service on the Dubai Police smart app or official website
Dubai Police strongly urged all residents to promptly report any suspected fraud attempts directly to the police force through its official and authorized reporting channels. They emphasized that quick and timely reporting plays a crucial role in minimizing potential financial losses for victims and significantly supports ongoing investigations by providing vital information early on.
Dubai Police uses AI and data to boost road safety, target zero deaths by 2033
Dubai Police expands AI tools for safer roads
Dubai Police is harnessing advanced smart technology and data-driven systems, including AI-powered tools to identify traffic violations, to enhance road safety across the emirate. This initiative aims to reduce serious accidents and supports the long-term goal of achieving zero road fatalities by 2033.
The unveiled includes a road safety strategy that combines AI-driven analytics with smart patrol deployment and automated enforcement, supporting Dubai’s goal of zero road fatalities by 2033. This initiative leverages advanced technology to detect traffic violations and curb dangerous driving habits on Dubai’s roads. According to Dubai Police, this approach forms a critical element of a broader, continuous road safety campaign across the UAE’s busiest urban transport networks.
The force is expanding the use of digital traffic fines linked to electronic monitoring systems, enabling faster detection and processing of violations across Dubai’s road network.
In practice, 'smart technology' involves automated detection using camera and radar networks combined with AI-powered identification of high-risk behaviors. Dubai Police can leverage this data to map collision hotspots, monitor repeat offenders, and identify higher-risk time periods, enabling teams to prioritize patrols and safety campaigns where they are most needed.
In Dubai, this important transition facilitates a significant shift from merely reactive enforcement measures to a more proactive and preventive approach, which perfectly aligns with the broader vision of the emirate becoming a leading smart city. Considering the substantial volume of commuter traffic moving daily between residential neighborhoods and major business hubs, combined with the fact that many drivers are not fully familiar with the local road networks, the implementation of data-driven traffic management systems greatly improves the consistency and effectiveness of enforcement efforts.
Additionally, this strategy allows for more precise and targeted improvements in road safety, addressing specific issues before they escalate. Overall, this approach plays a crucial role in reducing disruptions and delays for both daily commuters and commercial fleet operators, contributing to smoother and safer travel experiences across the city.
For instance, if analytics reveal recurring hazardous behavior in a particular corridor during specific hours, enforcement efforts and safety messaging can be concentrated there. Meanwhile, road engineering improvements, such as enhanced markings or updated signage, can be prioritized according to the identified risk patterns.
- Authority: Dubai Police
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- What's changing: Wider use of smart technology and data, including AI systems to detect traffic violators
- Long-term target: Zero road fatalities by 2033
Dubai Police announced it is seeking international accreditation as part of its traffic safety program, aligning enforcement and operational standards with global best practices.
UAE brokers 350-captive Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange
UAE brokers 350-captive Russia–Ukraine exchange
The UAE has successfully mediated a new Russia–Ukraine prisoner exchange involving 350 captives in April 2026. The exchange marked the UAE’s 21st mediation effort between Russia and Ukraine since the start of the conflict, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s role as a trusted channel for humanitarian agreements.
The United Arab Emirates acted as the mediator between Russia and Ukraine to arrange the exchange, according to an official update shared by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The swap involved 350 captives, adding to a growing record of UAE-facilitated humanitarian deals linked to the war.
A total of 350 captives were exchanged in the latest UAE-brokered swap, lifting the cumulative number of prisoners exchanged through UAE mediation to 6,305.
UAE mediation Russia Ukraine
- What happened: The UAE mediated a Russia–Ukraine exchange of 350 captives.
- When: April 2026.
- Total freed via UAE mediation: 6,305.
- Where: Arranged through UAE mediation.
The UAE said the operation marked its 21st mediation effort between Moscow and Kyiv since the start of the conflict.
The ministry reiterated that the UAE’s mediation reflects its role as a trusted channel for humanitarian agreements and its commitment to supporting efforts that ease the human impact of the war.
UAE hosts 2029 IMF World Bank Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi
UAE to host 2029 IMF–World Bank meetings
The UAE has been selected to host the 2029 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said. A boost to UAE's economy and global standing, as it brings top finance leaders to the capital and puts the country at the centre of major policy discussions that can shape markets and investment.
The IMF and World Bank said Abu Dhabi was chosen to host the 2029 Annual Meetings following a vote by the institutions’ governors.
In a statement, Sheikh Maktoum congratulated the UAE leadership on their selection and described the Annual Meetings as one of the world’s most important global economic events, uniting finance ministers, central bank governors, and key decision-makers from across the globe.
Sheikh Maktoum stated that the forum will focus on the global economy, financial and monetary policies, financial stability, and international economic development. In addition to formal sessions, the Annual Meetings are renowned for high-level dialogues between countries and leaders of the IMF and World Bank Group, as well as briefings and side events that shape policy priorities and investor confidence.
Hosting a major international conference in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE boosts numerous industries, including aviation, hospitality, retail, event management, security, and professional services like legal, consulting, auditing, translation, and media. It also enhances the UAE’s reputation as a global financial center by demonstrating its capacity to attract international leaders and successfully organize large-scale, high-profile events.
For residents and businesses, the most visible changes usually come closer to the event year, when travel demand rises and the city prepares for delegations and official programmes. Companies that serve conferences and visiting executives often start planning early to secure capacity and partnerships.
- Event: 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Host city: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Announced by: Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler
- Core agenda: Global economy outlook, monetary and financial policy, financial stability, and international development
Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the 2029 Annual Meetings will represent a significant milestone as it marks the second occasion on which the United Arab Emirates has had the honor of staging the prestigious IMF–World Bank gatherings. This event will highlight the UAE’s continued commitment to playing a central role in global economic discussions and international financial cooperation.
UAE flag message highlights unity as leaders urge nationwide display
UAE flag message spreads as unity symbol
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has called on government entities, private institutions and residents across the UAE to fly the national flag as a visible expression of unity, strength and solidarity.
The message describes the UAE flag as a symbol of pride, unity, and a nation that continues to progress with purpose and ambition. It includes a prayer for the country's leadership and people. The post connects to ongoing leadership messaging that encourages visible public support for the nation through the flag.
UAE leaders have carefully framed the flag-display campaign as a practical and meaningful everyday act that not only fosters and strengthens social cohesion among the diverse population but also serves as a powerful signal of resilience and unity during challenging and difficult moments faced by the nation.
Across the United Arab Emirates, the UAE flag is prominently displayed on government buildings, schools, private companies, and homes, making it a highly visible national symbol in daily life. Civic education often explains the flag's colors as representing core national values like strength, courage, peace, and prosperity, reinforcing a shared identity.
- Key message: The UAE flag is being highlighted as a symbol of pride, unity and forward ambition.
- Leadership context: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has urged visible flag displays as a sign of solidarity.
- Where it applies: Nationwide, across homes, workplaces, schools and public spaces in the UAE.
- Why it matters: Flag campaigns are used to strengthen social cohesion and resilience during crises and national reflection.
UAE leaders urged residents and institutions across the country to display the national flag as a symbol of unity and strength, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum leading the call for solidarity.
Also ReadDubai Police received 56,608 emergency calls during bad weather, with 97% answered in 10 secondsThe campaign messaging emphasises national pride and cultural cohesion, urging communities to display the flag to underline shared identity and solidarity.
US Iran Ceasefire Starts; Strait of Hormuz Reopens for Now
Hormuz shipping risk drops after US–Iran pause
A two-week US Iran ceasefire has started, with Tehran temporarily reopening the Strait of Hormuz reopened route that underpins UAE import flows and Gulf energy shipments, cutting immediate disruption risk across a world wide economic sectors including in Dubai. The United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire on April 7, 2026, triggering the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after days of heightened disruption risk.
Under the ceasefire terms, Iran is required to halt attacks and keep the Strait of Hormuz open to international shipping for the duration of the two-week truce pending a deal with the factions
Impact on shipping, fuel, and travel in the UAE
For UAE logistics and retail supply chains, the immediate concerns are vessel schedules and insurer advisories related to Hormuz transits into Jebel Ali Port (DP World) and Port Rashid, along with onward trucking into industrial zones such as JAFZA, Al Quoz, and Dubai Industrial City. A reopened strait reduces short-term rerouting pressure and stabilizes delivery windows for containerized imports that supply supermarkets and construction sites across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman.
On diplomacy, UAE messaging frames the de-escalation as a strategic win for regional stability, aligning with Abu Dhabi's continuity-of-trade priority through hubs such as Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi Ports) and Dubai's re-export engine through Jebel Ali.
At a glance for UAE residents and businesses
- Ceasefire length: Two weeks between the United States and Iran
- Maritime change: Tehran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz
- Diplomatic track: Iran floated a 10-point proposal to end escalation
- UAE posture: Officials framed de-escalation as a strategic win for stability
- Global forum: UN Security Council failed to act on the Hormuz crisis
International bodies welcomed the April 7, 2026 ceasefire and called for a durable settlement to prevent renewed threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
