Dubai Police have urged parents to stop children from copying a viral social media trend that involves heating slime in a microwave, warning it could cause serious burns and other injuries.

The warning comes as schools break for the summer holidays, when children are likely to spend more time online.

Why is the trend dangerous?

According to Dubai Police, placing slime in a microwave can trigger chemical reactions that cause it to:

• Expand rapidly.
• Release extremely hot vapours.
• Explode or splatter when removed.
• Cause burns to the face, hands and body.
• Damage microwave ovens or even start small fires.

Officials said many children may imitate the videos without understanding the risks involved.

What advice has Dubai Police given parents?

Dubai Police is urging parents to:

• Monitor the content their children watch on social media.
• Explain the dangers of copying viral online challenges.
• Never allow children to use microwaves or other electrical appliances without adult supervision.
• Encourage safe and educational activities during the summer holidays.

Learn more about online safety

Parents are also encouraged to use Dubai Police’s eCrime Hub, which provides safety advice in Arabic and English on cybercrime, online risks and harmful social media trends.

Why the warning matters

Dubai Police said raising awareness about online challenges is essential to preventing avoidable accidents. The force is encouraging families to promote safe behaviour at home and help children make responsible choices online throughout the summer break.

Indian nationals in the UAE will have to pay more for passport and related consular services from July 1, following a revision in fees announced by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

The new charges apply to passport applications submitted through the embassy, consulate and the new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

Why are the fees increasing?

The revised charges follow updated passport rules introduced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on June 20. The new fee structure applies to Indian passport services worldwide, including in the UAE.

What are the new passport fees?

The revised fees are as follows:

• 36-page passport (new or renewal): Dh450
• 60-page passport (new or renewal): Dh630
• 36-page Tatkal passport: Dh900
• 60-page Tatkal passport: Dh1,080
• Replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport: Dh900
• Tatkal replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport: Dh1,350
• Replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport: Dh1,080
• Tatkal replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport: Dh1,530

Who will be affected?

The revised fees apply to all eligible passport applications submitted from July 1, including:

• New passport applications.
• Passport renewals.
• Tatkal (urgent) applications.
• Replacement of lost or damaged passports.

What should applicants do?

If you’re planning to apply for or renew your Indian passport in the UAE, check the revised fees before booking your appointment.

The updated charges will apply at:

• Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.
• Consulate General of India, Dubai.
• Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

With around 4.5 million Indians living in the UAE, the revised fee structure will affect one of the country’s largest overseas communities.

UAE fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer has credited the DP World ILT20 with accelerating his rise to international cricket, saying the league gave him the confidence and experience needed to represent the UAE on the global stage.

The 26-year-old, who made his international debut earlier this year, believes competing alongside some of the world’s top cricketers helped prepare him for the demands of international cricket.

“Representing the UAE was a proud moment for me and it’s something every young cricketer dreams about. The DP World ILT20 helped prepare me because you’re constantly competing against high-quality players. It gives you confidence that you belong on the international stage,” he said.

Breakthrough performances

Khuzaima announced himself during DP World ILT20 Season 3 with impressive figures of 4/22 against Sharjah Warriorz.

Since joining the Desert Vipers, he has claimed 24 wickets in 18 matches across two seasons. During the Vipers’ title-winning campaign, he finished with 17 wickets, making him the second-highest UAE wicket-taker in the tournament and third overall. He was also shortlisted for the Blue Belt, awarded to the competition’s best UAE player.

Learning from the world’s best

Khuzaima said one of the league’s biggest advantages is the opportunity to learn from elite players and coaches.

“A lot of the learning happens during training sessions, team meetings and conversations. I was fortunate to share the dressing room with Sam Curran, Naseem Shah and Lockie Ferguson. Even small pieces of advice from players like them help you become a better cricketer.”

He also described interacting with legendary fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram as one of the highlights of his career.

Inspired, not compared

While fans have compared his bowling action to Pakistan legend Waqar Younis, Khuzaima insists he is focused on building his own identity.

“Waqar Younis is a legend of the game. If people see similarities, I take it as a compliment, but my focus is on becoming the best version of myself.”

Eyes on future

Now a UAE international, Khuzaima says wearing the national jersey comes with greater responsibility.

“Once you represent the UAE, people expect more from you and you expect more from yourself. My aim is to keep improving, perform consistently and contribute whenever I get the opportunity.”

He also praised UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for setting an example for local players, saying his performances in the DP World ILT20 have shown that Emirati cricketers can compete with the world’s best.

Looking ahead to DP World ILT20 Season 5, Khuzaima hopes to continue developing his game and make the most of every opportunity.

“Every season brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn. My goal is to keep improving, contribute to my team and continue making the most of the opportunities the DP World ILT20 provides.”