Dubai RTA starts 90,000 sq m sidewalk rehab under 2026 plan
Dubai RTA sidewalk maintenance 2026 is now underway, with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirming it has started sidewalk maintenance and rehabilitation works across the emirate covering a total of 90,000 square metres under its approved preventive maintenance plans for 2026.
RTA said the programme targets sidewalks in residential, tourist, commercial, economic, and coastal areas across Dubai, which means works can appear in multiple districts at the same time rather than in one long continuous closure.
The 2026 scope is slightly higher than last year’s completed output. RTA reported it maintained and rehabilitated about 88,000 square metres of sidewalks in 2025 across the same mix of area types around the emirate.
For residents and businesses, the immediate impact is practical. Expect short, localized work zones on footpaths and near storefronts. Temporary diversions may add minutes to walking routes to nearby services and public transport stops on affected streets.
Quick Intel
- Scale (2026): RTA confirmed 90,000 sq m of sidewalk maintenance and rehabilitation works across Dubai under the 2026 preventive maintenance plan.
- Benchmark (2025): RTA reported about 88,000 sq m of sidewalks were maintained and rehabilitated in 2025.
- Where: Works cover residential, tourist, commercial, economic, and coastal areas across the emirate, per RTA’s announcement.
- What to do: If your daily route includes a work zone, plan a short detour and allow extra time for walking to nearby destinations until the crew moves on.
Residents should watch for temporary pedestrian diversions in their neighbourhood and budget extra walking time while RTA’s 2026 sidewalk works move across Dubai.
UAE Cybersecurity Council Blocks Sophisticated Financial Sector Attacks
UAE Cybersecurity Council Stops Major Cyber Threats to Banking System
The UAE Cybersecurity Council announced that it had neutralized sophisticated cyberattacks aimed at the nation’s financial sector, with no interruption to banking services. The statement directly concerns banks, payment providers and their customers across the Emirates.
Proactive threat‑hunting teams and newly‑formed partnerships with telecom operators and cloud providers were credited for the swift containment. The council’s briefing highlightd a shift toward real‑time monitoring and coordinated response drills that go beyond routine compliance checks.
Banking services remained fully operational across the UAE, meaning ATMs, online portals and point‑of‑sale terminals continued to function without delay.
The council’s success follows a 2024 incident in which a ransomware strain briefly disabled a regional payment gateway, prompting the launch of the current joint‑defense framework.
Dubai Police warning after Jebel Ali crash injures 25
25 injured as broken‑down bus hit on Jebel Ali Road; police urge caution
A broken‑down bus on Jebel Ali Road was struck by three vehicles, injuring 25 people. Dubai Police issued an immediate road‑safety warning to motorists.
Police stress that abrupt stops on fast‑moving highways can trigger chain‑reaction collisions, a risk highlighted by the recent multi‑bus incident. The warning comes as Jebel Ali Road serves as a key artery for commuters and freight, where speeds regularly exceed 80 km/h.
The crash left 25 individuals with injuries ranging from minor cuts to serious trauma. Drivers are urged to keep moving unless a breakdown is unavoidable, pull into a designated emergency lane, activate hazard lights, and contact the police without delay. Rapid risk reduction, the force said, can prevent secondary impacts that otherwise turn a single breakdown into a multi‑vehicle pile‑up.
The police message aims to cut down on unexpected stoppages that historically pose significant dangers and heightened liability for all road users.
Lionel Messi 20th World Cup goal lifts Golden Boot lead
Messi's 20th World Cup strike crowns him Golden Boot frontrunner
Lionel Messi netted his 20th World Cup goal on July 4, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tally propels Argentina’s captain to the top of the tournament’s Golden Boot race.
The strike extended his scoring run to eight straight matches and eclipsed Miroslav Klose’s all‑time World Cup tally.
Messi’s 20th World Cup goal puts him ahead in the Golden Boot standings. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland were next in the Golden Boot standings with six goals each as of July 3, 2026, trailing Messi’s tournament-leading total.
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.
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.
