Sharjah City Municipality has announced free public parking across the emirate during the first three days of Eid Al Adha as part of a wider citywide operational plan to ensure smooth celebrations and public safety.

The municipality confirmed that parking fees will be waived on the first, second and third days of Eid, except in paid zones marked with blue signboards, which remain operational throughout weekends and public holidays. Smart parking areas in tourist destinations and major commercial districts will also continue to operate around the clock via the Sharjah Digital platform and app.

Inspectors to monitor markets

Also, as part of the Eid readiness campaign, the municipality said 239 inspectors will be deployed across the emirate to monitor markets, public facilities and commercial establishments during the holiday period.

Authorities have also assigned 35 veterinarians to oversee livestock inspections and ensure health and safety standards are maintained at animal markets and slaughterhouses ahead of Eid sacrifices.

The municipality said the measures are part of a broader effort to enhance public services, maintain cleanliness and safety standards, and ensure residents and visitors enjoy a smooth and organised Eid holiday across Sharjah.

India’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi awarded Kerala-based Alhind Group a multi-year outsourcing contract to manage consular support services for more than four million Indians living in the UAE. Beginning July 1, Alhind will officially replace BLS International, which has handled Indian consular services in the UAE since 2011.

The company will launch 16 centres across all seven emirates, including smaller cities such as Al Ain, Kalba and Khor Fakkan, in one of the largest overhauls of Indian consular operations in the Gulf.

The centres will process passport renewals, OCI cards, police clearance certificates and Indian visa applications, alongside apostille, attestation and Global Entry verification services.

A flat Dh19 service fee above government charges will be applicable when using a new digital back-office system aimed at reducing processing times.

Locations of centres

The locations of all 16 centres. Abu Dhabi will have six branches located in Al Khalidiya, Al Reem Island, Musaffah, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi and Al Ain.

Dubai will be served by centres in Bur Dubai and Dubai Investment Park (DIP), while Sharjah will have locations in Al Majaz and Rolla. Additional centres will operate in Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan.

The Indian Embassy has advised applicants to monitor official channels for updated document checklists and transition procedures. Existing BLS appointments scheduled after June 30 are expected to be shifted automatically to the nearest Alhind centre.

Dubai authorities have rolled out a large-scale security and traffic management plan ahead of the Eid Al Adha holidays, deploying 1,642 patrols, helicopters, marine units and emergency teams across the emirate.

The plan, coordinated by Dubai’s Event Security Committee, covers major mosques, prayer grounds, tourist attractions, shopping centres, beaches and key roads to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety during the busy holiday period.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs and Chairperson of the Event Security Committee, said the operation includes 37 land rescue patrols, 29 marine security boats, two helicopters, 160 ambulatory points, 208 Civil Defence vehicles and six operations rooms working around the clock.

Public transport capacity has also been increased, with 106 trains, 14,500 taxis, 18,500 limousine vehicles, 1,400 public buses and 55 marine transport vehicles operating during Eid.

Resident told to follow rules

Authorities urged residents to follow traffic rules, avoid reckless driving and use emergency numbers responsibly. Dubai Police advised the public to call 999 only for emergencies and 901 for non-emergency assistance.

The committee also warned against dangerous activities during Eid celebrations, including speeding in desert areas, unsafe jet ski use near family beaches and allowing children to play with fireworks.

Police to host celebrations

As part of the festivities, Dubai Police and partners will host sports and entertainment activities for workers in areas including Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Al Satwa and Al Muhaisnah during the first two days of Eid.