Stay safe: Dubai Police caution against unverified mobile apps
In Dubai, the e‑Crimes and Cybersecurity Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation has sounded an alarm about apps that aren’t vetted by official stores. The warning comes after a video showed how fraudsters disguise malicious software as banking, investment, delivery or security‑update apps, then wait for a click.
Residents risk losing personal data and money if they install unverified apps
The department says the first line of defence is simply refusing to download anything outside the Apple App Store or Google Play. By sticking to those authorised platforms, users avoid the hidden code that lets thieves slip into phones unnoticed.
Equally important, police stress that no one should ever hand over passwords, PINs or one‑time codes, even to friends or family who claim they need them for a “quick fix.” Sharing that information gives fraudsters a direct backdoor to banking apps and other sensitive services.
To add another layer of protection, the force recommends installing trusted security software and turning on banking alerts that flag unusual transactions. If anything looks off, residents can file a report through the Dubai Police smart app, dial 901, or submit a case on the eCrime platform.
The warning fits into Dubai Police’s wider push to curb cybercrime across the emirate, reinforcing a city‑wide effort to keep digital life safe for everyone.
Yas Point: Abu Dhabi's New Dhs6 Billion Destination
Yas Point Unveiled: Abu Dhabi's Latest Waterfront Gem
Yas Point, a brand new destination on Yas Island's northern peninsula, is set to become Abu Dhabi's latest waterfront gem. Developed by Aldar, this Dhs6 billion project will feature a 700-meter promenade, the first beach on the north side of the island, and homes for approximately 5,000 residents.
The new destination will significantly impact the daily lives of residents and visitors to Yas Island. With the introduction of a 700-meter promenade, residents will have a new scenic route for walking and jogging, while the first beach on the north side will provide a unique spot for relaxation and leisure. The addition of around 1,600 branded residences, a five-star resort hotel, an international school, parks, and retail and dining options will also enhance the overall quality of life on the island.
In terms of concrete changes, Yas Point will bring a new level of luxury and convenience to its residents. The five-star resort hotel will offer top-notch amenities, while the international school will provide a high-quality education for children. The parks and retail and dining options will also add to the community's vibrancy, making Yas Point an attractive destination for families and individuals alike.
This new development is part of Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to expand its waterfront offerings and create new residential, hospitality, and lifestyle destinations. With Yas Point, the emirate is poised to further establish itself as a premier destination for tourism and investment.
Emirates Monitoring Centre Launches
UAE Strengthens Power Grid with New Monitoring Centre
In the United Arab Emirates, a new monitoring centre has been launched to strengthen the reliability and resilience of the country's electricity network. The Emirates Monitoring Centre, is a national facility designed to improve the electricity network through real-time monitoring and coordination across all major power providers.
The centre links the UAE's four main electricity utilities, including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Sharjah Electricity, Water & Gas Authority (SEWA), and Etihad Water and Electricity, using Siemens' Spectrum Power platform. This platform supports faster outage response and better grid planning, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency of the power grid.
The launch of the Emirates Monitoring Centre is part of the UAE's efforts to strengthen its electricity network resilience and improve outage response. By leveraging real-time monitoring and coordination, the centre aims to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages, ensuring a more reliable supply of electricity to homes and businesses across the country.
The Emirates Monitoring Centre is a significant step forward in the UAE's energy sector, marking a major milestone in the country's digital transformation journey. As the UAE continues to invest in its energy infrastructure, the centre is expected to play a critical role in supporting the country's economic growth and development.
In the broader context, the launch of the Emirates Monitoring Centre aligns with the UAE's strategic goals to enhance its energy sector, improve efficiency, and reduce the environmental impact of its power generation and distribution. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions, the UAE is poised to become a leader in the region's energy sector, setting a new standard for reliability, resilience, and sustainability.
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicles Control Room Opens
Abu Dhabi Boosts Autonomous Vehicle Safety with New Control Room
In Abu Dhabi, a new central control room has been opened to oversee and monitor autonomous vehicle operations across the emirate. This move is part of the effort to strengthen safety as self-driving transport services continue to expand. The control room, operated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), will track vehicles in real time, manage permits and routes, and coordinate emergency responses.
The introduction of this control room is expected to have a significant impact on the daily lives of Abu Dhabi residents, particularly those who rely on self-driving transport services. With the ability to monitor autonomous vehicles in real time, the control room will enable quicker response times to emergencies and improve the overall safety of the transport network. This, in turn, will contribute to a smoother and more efficient transport experience for commuters.
The control room's operations will include real-time tracking of autonomous vehicles, monitoring of their routes and speeds, analysis of trip data, and coordination of emergency responses. The ITC will also be responsible for managing permits and approvals for autonomous vehicle operations, ensuring that all vehicles meet the necessary safety and regulatory standards. By streamlining these processes, the control room will play a crucial role in supporting the growth of self-driving transport services in Abu Dhabi.
As Abu Dhabi continues to invest in smart mobility solutions, the opening of the central control room marks an important step forward in the emirate's efforts to create a safe and efficient transport network. The control room's advanced technology and real-time monitoring capabilities will enable the ITC to respond quickly to any incidents or issues, minimizing disruptions to the transport network and ensuring the safety of all road users.
UAE 30‑day Grace Period Ends, Overstay Fine Resumes
UAE Ends Emergency Visa Grace, Travelers Must Exit or Regularise
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) ended the emergency 30‑day visa grace period on 9 July 2026.
Who is affected
The change targets international visitors who were left in the UAE after recent regional airspace closures and flight cancellations.Stranded travellers now have two options: leave the country or regularise their visa status. Staying beyond the deadline without taking either step triggers the standard overstay regime, which includes a fine and possible legal or travel restrictions.
Penalty
| Penalty | Amount |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine | AED 50 per day |
How to Check a UAE Travel Ban Before Flying
Check If You Have a UAE Travel Ban Before Heading to the Airport
If you’ve booked a flight out of the UAE and a legal or financial dispute is hanging over your head, you could be stopped at the airport. A travel ban stops you from entering, re‑entering, or exiting the country until the underlying issue is cleared. Knowing whether a ban is in place can save you embarrassment, missed flights, and extra fees.
Dubai’s quickest routes to a ban check
Dubai residents have three free options that work right away.
Call the immigration hotlines, The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) runs a 24‑hour line at 600 5222 22. A quick call can confirm whether a restriction exists and point you to the nearest ICP centre.
Dial GDRFA Dubai, The General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) answers on 800 5111 around the clock. Their operators can pull your record from the central system and tell you what, if anything, is blocking your travel.
Use the Dubai Police portal, The police keep a separate criminal‑status service for financial cases. You can check online or via the Dubai Police app (available on iTunes and Google Play). Follow these steps:
- Open the Dubai Police website or app.
- Tap Services → Reports Services.
- Choose Criminal Status of Financial Cases.
- Click Access Service (top‑left).
- Enter your full name and Emirates ID number.
The portal returns a simple “clear” or “restriction” notice instantly. Police stations also handle in‑person queries; they’re open from 07:30 am to 10:00 pm.
When your case lies in another emirate
Travel bans aren’t limited to Dubai. If you have a pending matter in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or elsewhere, the same central system applies, but the local front‑end differs.
In practice, that means calling the ICP hotline (600 5222 22) or dropping by the nearest ICP centre. You don’t need a lawyer to get a status check, though hiring one is an option if you prefer professional assistance.
What a travel ban actually stops you from doing
A ban blocks any border crossing, by air, land, or sea. You can’t board a flight, drive out of the country, or even re‑enter if you’ve already left. The restriction stays until the underlying case is resolved, a fine is paid, or a court order is lifted.
Because the ban is enforced at the immigration checkpoint, airlines and airport staff will see the restriction in the system before you reach the gate. That’s why a pre‑flight check is essential.
No hidden fees for the check
The services listed above are free. The only cost you might incur is if you decide to retain a lawyer to handle the underlying dispute. The ban‑checking process itself carries no charge.
Quick reference checklist
- Call ICP (600 5222 22), ask for travel‑ban status.
- Call GDRFA Dubai (800 5111), same request, 24/7.
- Use Dubai Police website or app, follow the five‑step online flow.
- Visit a police station (07:30 am, 10:00 pm) if you prefer face‑to‑face.
- Drop by an ICP centre if your case may be in another emirate.
If any of these channels returns a “restriction” result, you’ll need to settle the underlying issue, pay dues, resolve the court case, or obtain a clearance order, before you can travel.
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