
Dubai RTA and nol Travel publish Eid raffle winners list; prize claims to follow
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) officially confirmed the winners of the nol Travel Eid raffle on April 2, 2026. This announcement follows a campaign where commuters participated by purchasing and registering their nol cards. The RTA team is scheduled to initiate contact with the winners shortly to begin the verification and prize distribution process. This move shifts the seasonal promotion from the entry phase to the official fulfillment stage for public transport users.
Verification for prize claims is tied strictly to registered nol card data and Emirates ID records. Winners must prepare their identification documents to facilitate a smooth handover of prizes. RTA outreach typically involves formal identity confirmation to ensure the prize reaches the correct account holder. If you entered the draw, monitor your registered mobile number and email for instructions from the RTA team regarding the next steps.
Security remains a primary concern following public winner announcements. Residents must exercise caution regarding unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from RTA officials. Official representatives will never ask for banking passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs) over the phone to process a prize claim. All residents should verify any prize-related communication through the RTA’s official customer service channels or the 800 9090 helpline.
Quick Intel
- Announcement Date: April 2, 2026, via official RTA and nol Travel social media platforms.
- Claim Requirement: Winners must present a registered nol card and a valid Emirates ID for identity verification.
- Outreach Status: The RTA team will contact winners directly; users should wait for official instructions before visiting service centers.
- Security Alert: Avoid sharing personal data or banking credentials with unverified callers claiming to be from the RTA.
Ensure your nol card is linked to your current mobile number in the RTA system to avoid missing official winner notifications.

France vs Sweden 3-0 World Cup Round of 32
France Advances to Last 16 with 3-0 Win Over Sweden
France secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, powered by a brilliant double from Kylian Mbappé. This decisive win propels France into the last 16, where they will face Paraguay at the Stade de France.
The emphatic scoreline showcased France's attacking prowess, with Mbappé's two goals bringing his tournament tally to six and his overall World Cup career total to 18.
France entered the knockout stage having topped their group with a flawless record, and their strong performance against Sweden underlines their status as serious contenders in the competition. The upcoming clash with Paraguay promises to be another test as Les Bleus aim to advance further in the tournament.

Etihad Rail cuts Abu Dhabi‑Fujairah commute to 1h 40m
Kalba commuter shaves two hours off daily trip thanks to new rail
At 7 a.m. on a Tuesday, a Kalba commuter steps onto the Etihad Rail platform, ticket in hand, ready for a journey that will end in Abu Dhabi in just 1 hour 40 minutes.
From three‑hour drives to a two‑hour commute

Emirates urges early arrival at DXB July 3‑5
DXB faces heavy traffic July 3‑5; Emirates tells flyers to add three‑hour buffer
Dubai International Airport (DXB) will see a surge of passengers from July 3‑5, 2026.
Longer queues and tighter gate cut‑offs at DXB terminals
The advisory reflects Dubai’s broader effort to keep airport flow smooth during seasonal travel spikes.

Dubai Customs Foil Pregabalin Smuggling Attempt
Dubai Authorities Thwart Pregabalin Smuggling Attempt
Dubai Customs and Dubai Police seized 278,850 Pregabalin pills in the initial smuggling attempt, according to official details of the joint operation, a controlled substance, weighing around 200 kg. The operation resulted in the arrest of a four-member gang, underscoring the authorities' ongoing efforts in border-security and anti-narcotics enforcement.
The seizure of 278,850 pregabalin tablets is a significant blow to drug trafficking networks in the UAE. Dubai Customs and Dubai Police have been working together to identify and intercept shipments of controlled substances, and this operation reflects their effective collaboration.
Dubai Customs and Dubai Police's joint operation is part of a broader effort to protect the community from the harm caused by controlled substances. Pregabalin is treated as a controlled substance in the UAE, and trafficking cases are typically handled as serious narcotics/controlled-medicine offenses.
The authorities' actions have prevented the diversion of these pills into local distribution markets, reducing the risk of harm linked to their misuse. This operation demonstrates the commitment of Dubai Customs and Dubai Police to enforcing border security and anti-narcotics laws, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
Officials said the joint operation reinforced Dubai’s leadership in border security and efforts to counter smuggling and protect the community.
The 200kg shipment of pregabalin pills was seized in a joint operation, resulting in the arrest of a four-member gang. This operation is a significant achievement for Dubai Customs and Dubai Police, demonstrating their effectiveness in identifying and intercepting shipments of controlled substances.

Emirates ID: Risks You Should Know Before You Share
Protect Your Emirates ID: The Hidden Dangers of Routine Sharing
As a resident in the UAE, you're likely familiar with the importance of your Emirates ID. However, a common habit among residents - sending Emirates ID copies for routine requests - can increase your exposure to identity theft and fraud. Authorities are warning against this practice, especially when sharing ID copies over WhatsApp or email.
The warning focuses on the potential risks of sharing Emirates ID copies, which can be stored, forwarded, or reused without the holder's knowledge. Emirates ID is a high-trust identifier used across many verification flows, and if misused, it can enable impersonation attempts, fraudulent account creation, unauthorized service sign-ups, or social-engineering scams.
Residents are advised to verify whether the request is mandatory and whether the recipient is authorized. It's recommended to prefer official portals or in-person verification when possible, avoid sending ID images over informal channels like WhatsApp, and limit exposure by sharing only what is necessary for the stated purpose. Red flags include requests from unverified numbers or emails, pressure to share immediately, unclear purpose for collection, or businesses that cannot explain how the data will be stored and protected.
For those who have already shared their Emirates ID copies, it's essential to be vigilant and monitor their accounts and personal data for any suspicious activity. If you suspect that your Emirates ID has been misused, you should report it to the relevant authorities immediately.
In the UAE, residents can take steps to protect their Emirates ID data by being cautious when sharing their ID copies. By being aware of the potential risks and taking the necessary precautions, residents can reduce their exposure to identity theft and fraud.
To protect your Emirates ID data, follow these best practices:
- Verify the recipient's authenticity before sharing your ID copy.
- Use official portals or in-person verification when possible.
- Avoid sending ID images over informal channels like WhatsApp.
- Limit exposure by sharing only what is necessary for the stated purpose.

