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Sharjah announces Dh1,000 fines and new EV tariffs in massive green move

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In a decisive step toward a sustainable future, Sharjah has officially regulated its electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Under Executive Council Resolution No. 15 of 2026, the Emirate has introduced a comprehensive framework that standardises charging prices while imposing strict penalties for “squatting” in charging bays.

Whether you drive a Tesla or a traditional petrol car, these new rules, effective immediately across all of Sharjah, including free zones, will change how you park and power up.

The cost of power

Gone are the days of price uncertainty. Sharjah has set a unified tariff for all public charging stations:

  • Slow AC Charging: Dh0.7 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
  • Fast DC Charging: Dh1.2 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). (Note: Both rates are subject to VAT).

The 10-minute rule

One of the most critical updates for EV owners is the introduction of a waiting fee. To ensure chargers remain available for everyone, motorists are granted a 10-minute grace period once their charging session ends.

  • After 10 minutes, A fee of Dh2 per minute kicks in.
  • The Cap: This fee is capped at 60 minutes, but don’t get comfortable leaving your car connected beyond this could result in a Dh1,000 fine.

The Dh1,000 ‘blocker’ fine

If you drive a non-electric vehicle, be warned: parking in an EV-designated spot or blocking access to a charger now carries a heavy Dh1,000 penalty.

Furthermore, Sharjah Police have been empowered to impound any vehicle (electric or non-electric) left in a charging space for more than 24 hours. The owner will be responsible for all towing and storage costs.

Strict licensing for property owners

For developers and private homeowners, the law is clear: installing or operating a charging station without prior approval from authorities like SEWA or the Sharjah RTA is illegal.

  • Dh10,000 fine for operating without a license.
  • Dh5,000 fine for failing to meet safety and technical standards.
  • Dh2,000 fine for damaging any charging infrastructure (plus repair costs).

The implementation is a multi-agency effort involving SEWA, Bee’ah Group, Sharjah Police, and the RTA. By standardising digital payments and remote monitoring, Sharjah is ensuring that its infrastructure is ready for the 2026 surge in EV adoption.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Will UAE petrol prices rise in August? Here’s what we know

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UAE motorists won’t have long to wait to find out whether fuel prices will increase in August, with the Fuel Price Committee set to announce the new rates on Thursday, July 31.

The revised petrol and diesel prices will take effect from August 1.

Will fuel prices go up?

After a welcome price cut in July, the outlook for August is less certain.

Global oil prices initially fell below $70 a barrel earlier this month, raising hopes of another reduction. However, prices have since rebounded sharply, clouding the picture for motorists.

Brent crude briefly climbed above $100 a barrel, while US benchmark WTI rose to nearly us$92. Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude also surged past us$105, reflecting renewed strength in global energy markets.

Because UAE fuel prices are based on average international oil prices over the month, the late-July rally could limit or even reverse last month’s cuts.

Current UAE fuel prices

Motorists are currently paying:

  • Super 98: Dh3.40 per litre
  • Special 95: Dh3.29 per litre
  • E-Plus 91: Dh3.21 per litre
  • Diesel: Dh3.60 per litre

These rates were introduced in July after global oil prices eased earlier in the summer.

How UAE fuel prices are set

The UAE reviews petrol and diesel prices every month based on average global crude oil and refined fuel prices.

The August rates will be announced on July 31 through official government channels and will come into effect the following day.

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UAE traffic fine: Why leaving your engine idling can cost you Dh500

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Abu Dhabi Police are urging motorists to switch off their engines and take their keys whenever leaving their vehicles, warning that even brief stops can increase the risk of theft, fires and other safety hazards.

The advisory applies to drivers stopping at shops, petrol stations, ATMs or mosques, where some motorists continue to leave vehicles unattended with the engine running.

Safety risks

Police said leaving a running vehicle unattended creates an opportunity for theft and could also lead to mechanical problems or fire-related incidents.

Motorists were also reminded never to leave children, especially infants, inside a running vehicle, describing the practice as a serious threat to their safety.

Traffic laws

Abu Dhabi Police also highlighted that UAE traffic laws prohibit leaving an unattended vehicle with its engine running.

Drivers who fail to comply with traffic rules and official instructions can face a Dh500fine under the Federal Traffic Law.

Authorities urged motorists to adopt safe habits by turning off the engine, removing the key and locking the vehicle every time they step away, no matter how briefly.

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Dubai Airports unveils smart gate pre-check for passengers

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Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now check if they’re eligible to use Smart Gates before reaching passport control.

Dubai Airports has introduced the new Smart Gates Pre-Eligibility Verification service in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to make immigration faster and reduce waiting times.

How it works

Travellers can instantly verify their Smart Gate eligibility through the Pocket Flights platform or by scanning QR codes placed across airport terminals and boarding gates.

The service lets passengers know in advance whether they can use the automated passport gates, helping them avoid uncertainty at immigration.

Faster airport experience

Dubai Airports says the new feature is part of its ongoing efforts to streamline passenger journeys and improve the overall airport experience.

By allowing travellers to confirm eligibility before reaching passport control, the airport aims to speed up immigration processing and make travel through DXB more seamless for millions of passengers each year.

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