Dubai Police have issued a fresh warning to residents about a surge in online begging scams during the holy month of Ramadan, urging the public not to respond to suspicious donation appeals shared on websites and social media.

The Anti-Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said fraudsters and organised groups are exploiting the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines Ramadan, using fake causes and emotional stories to illegally collect money.

Authorities stressed that donations and zakat should only be made through officially licensed and authorised charitable organisations in the UAE to ensure funds reach genuine beneficiaries.

Online begging is a criminal offence under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. Article 51 states that anyone found soliciting money through information technology means can face up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh10,000, or one of the two penalties.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected cases by calling 901, using the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police smart app, or submitting a report via the official eCrime platform.

The warning forms part of Dubai Police’s annual “Combat Begging” campaign, launched under the slogan “An Aware Society Without Begging.” Running throughout Ramadan, the initiative aims to curb both individual and organised begging, raise awareness, and promote safe and regulated charitable giving.

The campaign is being carried out in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

Dubai Police reiterated that protecting the spirit of generosity during Ramadan is a shared responsibility, calling on residents to remain vigilant and support only trusted, authorised channels when giving back this month.

With Ramadan approaching, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has confirmed the official guidelines for installing temporary Ramadan Iftar tents in front of homes and residential villas across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The good news? The permit is completely free, and the process is fully digital.

How to apply for a Ramadan tent permit

Residents and companies can apply through the TAMM platform by:

• Logging in using UAE Digital ID
• Submitting the application
• Receiving approval before installation

No additional documents are required, and there are no fees for the service.

Ramadan tent rules in Abu Dhabi

• Only one tent per residence
• Must be installed directly in front of the property
• Placement allowed between the plot boundary and the pavement only
• Must not block traffic, pedestrian walkways, or public services
• No installation over visible utilities (manholes, fire hydrants, service lines)
• No excavation work allowed

Technical specifications

• Maximum area: 60 square metres
• Maximum height: 4.5 metres
• Materials must be approved (fabric tents, traditional بيتشعر, tarpaulin, or similar tent-specific materials)

The following are not allowed:

• Cooking equipment
• Charcoal use
• Loudspeakers
• Commercial or rental activities
• Buying, selling, or promotional events

Liability & Compliance

The property owner is fully responsible for:

• Any damage to public or private property
• Ensuring installation matches the approved location
• Removing the tent once the permitted period expires

Abu Dhabi Municipality reserves the right to request immediate removal in case of:

• Emergencies
• Complaints
• Violations of permit conditions

Failure to comply may result in legal action under DMT regulations.

If you’re planning to host family and friends for `iftar this Ramadan, make sure your tent is fully compliant before setting it up.

Dubai residents could soon see shorter travel times and smoother journeys as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rolls out a new trackless tram system and expands dedicated bus and taxi lanes across the city.

The ambitious transport upgrade is designed to make commuting faster, safer and more sustainable.

What Is Dubai’s Trackless Tram?

The new trackless tram is an autonomous, electric-powered transit system that runs on virtual tracks rather than fixed rails. Using cameras, optical navigation, GPS and LiDAR technology, the tram follows painted road markings with high precision.

Unlike traditional tram systems, it requires no heavy rail infrastructure, making it quicker and more cost-effective to implement.

The tram will operate across eight locations in Dubai and feature:

• Three carriages with a capacity for up to 300 passengers
• A top speed of 70km/h
• Operational speeds between 25–60km/h
• A range of up to 100km on a single charge

Powered by artificial intelligence, the system can detect obstacles and adjust its route in real time, adding a new dimension to Dubai’s smart mobility network.

Dedicated Bus and Taxi Lanes to Expand

Alongside the tram rollout, RTA is adding six new dedicated bus and taxi corridors covering 13km, increasing the total network to 20km across Dubai.

The expansion is expected to:

• Cut bus journey times by 41%
• Improve on-time performance by 42%
• Increase ridership by 10%

Officials say the move will encourage more residents to shift from private cars to public transport, helping ease congestion and reduce emissions.

Rising Demand for Public Transport in Dubai

Dubai’s public transport system recorded 802 million riders in 2025, marking a 7.4% increase compared to 2024. The introduction of the trackless tram supports Dubai’s long-term goal of building a seamless, high-capacity and sustainable transport ecosystem.

For residents, it means faster commutes and more reliable transport options.