Dubai Police have issued a fresh reminder to residents to strengthen the security of home surveillance systems and internet-connected devices, warning that weak settings can leave users vulnerable to hacking, privacy breaches, and even cyber extortion.

The alert comes as part of ongoing awareness campaigns led by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, represented by the Cybercrime and Electronic Crime Department. Authorities noted that many cyberattacks exploit devices with default or weak configurations, making them easy targets.

Residents are advised to take simple but vital steps:

• •Change default passwords immediately after activating any device.
• •Use strong, complex passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
• •Regularly update operating systems and apps to patch security gaps.
• •Avoid sharing personal details or passwords with unverified sources.
• •Switch off surveillance systems when not in use, especially in private spaces.
• •Stay alert to suspicious links or apps from unreliable platforms.

Dubai Police emphasised that awareness remains the first line of defence against cybercrime. To support the public, residents can access advice through the e-Crime Hub and report incidents via official channels or by calling 901 for non-emergency cases.

Authorities reiterated that community cooperation is key to reducing cybercrime and protecting individuals, families, and property in the digital age.

Price manipulation isn’t just unfair, it’s illegal in the UAE.

The UAE Public Prosecution has issued a strong warning to businesses, making it clear that inflating or fixing prices crosses the line into criminal activity, not clever strategy.

In a statement shared online, authorities reinforced that the UAE’s free-market system is built on fairness, transparency, and strict legal oversight. Any attempt to distort competition or exploit consumers is taken seriously and can carry legal consequences.

At the centre of this is Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023, which bans monopolistic behaviour, price-fixing agreements, and the misuse of market dominance. The goal: keep markets open, competitive, and fair for everyone.

The Public Prosecution also highlighted its role in cracking down on economic crimes, working closely with other authorities to detect violations and protect consumers.

The message is simple: if you manipulate prices, you’re not just bending the rules — you’re breaking the law.

In a strong move to protect consumers and market stability, the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism has referred a group of businesses to the Public Prosecution for unjustifiably increasing poultry prices.

Authorities said the group exploited ongoing regional developments to inflate prices, a practice that directly violates consumer protection laws and threatens both food security and economic stability in the country.

What the law says

Under Article 5 of the Regulation of Competition Law UAE, businesses are strictly prohibited from engaging in practices that distort or restrict competition.

This includes:

• Price-fixing or artificially inflating prices
• Coordinating to limit supply or control distribution
• Colluding in tenders or bids
• Imposing unfair conditions on sales or purchases

The law also bans tactics like hoarding, unjustified stockpiling, or creating artificial shortages to manipulate market prices.

Why this action matters

Officials emphasised that such violations go beyond simple misconduct, they can disrupt entire supply chains and impact everyday consumers.

By taking legal action, the ministry aims to:

• Maintain stable food prices
• Protect consumer rights
• Ensure fair competition in the market
• Safeguard national food and economic security

Ongoing market monitoring

This case is part of wider inspection campaigns being carried out across the UAE to monitor pricing and prevent manipulation, especially in essential goods like food.

Authorities have signalled zero tolerance for businesses attempting to exploit market conditions for unfair gains.