Drug offenders, who have been convicted and deported from the UAE, will now be allowed to appeal to return to stay in the emirates, thanks to a revised drug law.
The UAE drug law, which came into effect in January this year, says that deportation will not be a mandatory consequence of being convicted.
It is lenient towards the first-time offenders, and focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. For traffickers and dealers, there are no changes in the strict penalties.
Judges will now use their discretion whether the defendant is allowed to stay in the country. If a judge punishes the convict with deportation, the offender can now challenge the verdict and seek for return to the country by submitting a request.
A number of people have sought for return and allowed entry into the UAE.
How can a convict ask for appeal against deportation? The person will have to hire a UAE-based defence lawyer who would submit a request to the court.
After the petition is filed, the appeal will be taken up by a judge. If the ruling is in favour of the defendant, the deportation order will be quashed.
Authorities across the UAE have issued a fresh warning to motorists, urging them to exercise extreme caution during ongoing unstable weather conditions. The reminder comes as part of efforts to enhance road safety and prevent accidents in high-risk areas such as valleys, flood zones, and near dams.
The UAE authorities emphasised that strict penalties are in place for violations during rainfall. Motorists found driving near valleys or flood-prone areas could face a fine of Dh1,000 along with 6 black points on their license.
More severe penalties apply to those who deliberately drive into flooded valleys, regardless of the water level or perceived danger. Offenders risk fines of up to Dh2,000, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment.
Additionally, authorities warned against obstructing emergency responders or traffic officials during adverse weather situations. Such actions could result in a Dh1,000 fine, 4 black points, and vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days.
Officials continue to urge drivers to prioritise safety, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions to prevent accidents and ensure smooth emergency response operations.
In response to ongoing unstable weather conditions, Sharjah City Municipality has announced an extension of its public parking fee exemption across the emirate. The decision, effective from Monday, March 23, will remain in place until further notice, offering temporary relief to residents and visitors.
The waiver applies to all standard public parking zones, including those that typically require payment on weekdays and official holidays. These areas are identifiable by blue informational signage installed throughout the city.
However, authorities clarified that smart parking yards are excluded from the exemption and will continue to operate under regular paid parking rules.
Officials have urged the public to stay informed through official communication channels, including the municipality’s social media platforms and helpline services, as weather conditions continue to evolve.
The move reflects Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to support public safety and convenience during periods of disruption, ensuring smoother mobility across the city.
Behind every safe journey in Dubai, a massive coordinated effort is underway. Safety during rainy conditions remains a top priority, says the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The authority has been operating 24/7 on the ground during the recent spell of unstable weather, working to manage traffic flow, clear water accumulation and provide real-time alerts to motorists across the city.
RTA teams are closely monitoring conditions through a central command system in coordination with strategic partners, ensuring quick response times and minimal disruption on key roads.
Motorists have been urged to follow safety guidelines and drive cautiously during rainy conditions.
At the same time, Dubai Municipality has activated its full emergency response system, deploying more than 2,800 personnel, including engineers, supervisors and field workers, to tackle waterlogging and weather-related incidents.
The large-scale operation includes hundreds of pumps, tankers and heavy vehicles working continuously to drain flooded streets, particularly on major roads and previously affected areas. Ongoing maintenance of drainage networks is also being carried out to boost capacity and reduce water pooling.
Together, these efforts reflect a city-wide response aimed at ensuring residents remain safe and traffic continues to move smoothly despite challenging weather conditions.