The Migrant Workers Office in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has issued a strong warning to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) about fraudulent schemes with repatriation assistance.

Authorities say scammers are posing as representatives of the Department of Migrant Workers, offering to process repatriation requests in exchange for fees or personal information.

What’s happening?

Reports indicate that individuals and groups are:

• Pretending to facilitate repatriation services
• Asking for money or sensitive personal details
• Using fake or unofficial social media accounts

Officials stress that legitimate assistance is always free and processed only through official government channels.

How OFWs can stay safe

The MWO is urging workers to take the following precautions:

• Verify information only through official websites and social media pages of DMW and MWO
• Avoid dealing with unauthorised agents or accounts
• Do not share personal information or send money to unverified sources

Official channels for assistance

OFWs seeking repatriation support can directly contact MWO-Dubai:

Assistance to Nationals Section

• 056-353-5558
• 054-223-0822
• 056-153-3057
• mwodubai@dmw.gov.ph
• mwodubai@gmail.com

OWWA Dubai

• 050-558-5536
• dubai@owwa.gov.ph

Authorities emphasise that safety is a shared responsibility. OFWs are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow official guidelines, and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Dubai has come up with a comprehensive security plan designed to keep residents and visitors safe across the emirate during the Eid Al Fitr holidays.

The strategy, led by Dubai Police and reviewed by senior officials including Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, focuses on ensuring smooth movement, quick emergency response, and public safety during one of the busiest holidays of the year.

Hundreds of personnel mobilised

Authorities are deploying hundreds of personnel and resources across Dubai. This includes security patrols, rescue teams, marine units, and even helicopters to monitor activity from the air. The presence will be especially noticeable in high-traffic areas such as mosques, tourist attractions, shopping centres, and public markets.

The plan also involves close coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority to manage traffic flow and public transport during peak travel times.

24/7 emergency response

A central command-and-control centre will operate 24/7 throughout the holiday period, ensuring rapid response to any incidents. Residents are reminded to call 999 for emergencies and 901 for non-urgent situations, helping authorities prioritise critical cases efficiently.

Public advisory

Officials are urging the public to play their part in maintaining safety:

• Motorists should follow traffic rules and avoid reckless driving
• Beachgoers and jet ski users must maintain safe distances, especially near family areas
• Parents are strongly advised not to allow children to use fireworks 

Eid Al Fitr is a time of celebration, gatherings, and travel. With increased crowds expected across the city, these measures are designed to prevent incidents and ensure that everyone can enjoy the holiday safely. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay aware, follow guidelines, and make safety a shared responsibility.

Tesla has rolled out free Supercharging across key locations in the UAE and wider Gulf, offering immediate relief to electric vehicle (EV) users during a period of regional uncertainty.

The initiative, which took effect at midnight local time, covers more than 30 charging stations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

The decision came after an appeal from an Emirati Tesla owner and reflects the company’s broader approach during crises, providing free charging support to affected communities.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously stated that the company enables free Supercharging during challenging times to help drivers stay mobile without added cost.

UAE coverage

The UAE has the largest number of activated stations, spanning major cities, highways, and residential areas.

Abu Dhabi

Al Dhanna, Al Maryah, Al Mirfa, Masdar Central Park, Masdar City Centre, Yas Mall (Hypermarket LG & Main Entrance)

Dubai

Abu Hail, Al Habtoor City, Dubai Hills (Grand Atrium & Storm Coaster), Dubai Mall Za’abeel, Mall of the Emirates, Meadows Village, Wadi Al Safa, Wafi City

Northern Emirates

Ajman City Centre, Al Ain, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Fujairah, Hatta

Key Highways

Jebel Ali corridor (both Abu Dhabi-bound and Dubai-bound)

Sharjah

City Centre, Rahmania Mall, Suyoh Mall

Ras Al Khaimah

Al Naeem Mall

Other parts of the Gulf

Saudi Arabia

Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah (including Al Ajawad Street and Al Amir Sultan), Taif

Qatar

Doha Festival City

Tesla’s move highlights how EV infrastructure can play a critical role during disruptions, ensuring mobility, reducing costs, and supporting communities when it matters most.

With the UAE already leading EV adoption in the region, the expanded free charging network is expected to benefit a growing number of drivers during the Eid travel period and beyond.