Parents now have an extra week to register their children for the 2025-2026 school year in public schools after the Ministry of Education announced an extension to the enrollment period on Saturday, March 8.

The move aims to give families more time to complete the necessary paperwork for their children’s admission. The registration process applies to all grade levels, from kindergarten to twelfth grade, across government schools nationwide.

Who Can Register?

The extended deadline applies to several student categories:

• Newcomers: First-time students enrolling in kindergarten or first grade.
• Transfer students: Those switching from private schools within the country or moving from schools abroad.
• Advanced track students: Emirati students and children of Emirati mothers enrolling in grades five through eight in the specialized “advanced track” (formerly known as the “elite” track).

Only Emirati students and children of Emirati women with citizenship can apply for the advanced track.

This extension offers parents a final opportunity to ensure their children are enrolled for the upcoming academic year.

(Source: siasat.com)

Pet owners in Abu Dhabi are welcoming a major new rule requiring all pets to be registered on the TAMM portal, a move designed to combat the emirate’s rising number of abandoned animals.

The initiative, which launches on February 3, 2025, aims to create a centralized database to track lost and stray pets while promoting responsible pet ownership. However, pet owners must take advantage of the grace period to avoid fines starting next year.

Don’t Ignore Warning

Dr. Mariam Al Shamsi, Animal Welfare Support Analyst at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), confirmed that pet owners have until December 31, 2025, to register without penalties. But from January 2026, non-compliant pet owners will be fined in line with government regulations.

“We will focus on education first, issuing warnings rather than fines in 2025,” said Dr. Al Shamsi. “But from 2026, those who ignore the system will face penalties.”

The mandatory registration is part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to reduce stray animal numbers, curb disease transmission, and enhance community safety.

Registration is Compulsory

The government introduced this rule to tackle Stray animals disrupting residential areas. Health risks from unvaccinated pets. Animal welfare by ensuring all pets receive proper medical care. Lost pet recovery, making it easier to reunite pets with their owners.

“This isn’t just about compliance,” Dr. Al Shamsi stressed. “It’s about keeping pets safe, reducing disease, and improving public health.”

Vet Clinics to Handle Registrations

Only authorized veterinary clinics will process registrations, ensuring pet owners: Complete a health check-up. Verify vaccination records. Get their pet microchipped for identification. Receive guidance on the new system.

To assist, the DMT has trained vet clinics and provided a real-time dashboard to streamline registrations and pet tracking.

Public Awareness and QR Codes for Easy Registration

The government has also launched awareness campaigns in vet clinics and pet stores, featuring QR codes that link to FAQs on registration. Pet owners can also find key details via DMT’s official Instagram bio.

Perks of the Registration System

Registered pets benefit from: Official proof of ownership – protecting pet owners’ rights. Faster lost pet recovery – thanks to the central database. Automatic vaccination reminders – keeping pets healthy. Better animal welfare – ensuring all pets receive essential medical care.

“This system will help us track pet populations, improve medical care, and reduce strays,” said Dr. Al Shamsi.

Coming Soon to the TAMM Portal

Dr. Al Shamsi also announced exciting upgrades to the TAMM portal, including:  Pet insurance services.  Maps of pet-friendly areas.  A lost-and-found pet reporting system.

“This will make the TAMM portal a one-stop hub for pet owners, helping them monitor pet health, report lost pets, and ensure their well-being,” she added.

Microchipping Must Be Done

All pets must be microchipped for traceable ownership, but DNA profiling won’t be required for now.

“Microchipping is vital for identifying lost pets and reuniting them with owners quickly,” emphasized Dr. Al Shamsi.

Free Pet Registration

For now, pet registration is completely FREE at authorized vet clinics across Abu Dhabi. However, pets must first undergo a health check-up and vaccination.

“Eventually, all vet clinics in Abu Dhabi will offer this service,” said Dr. Al Shamsi.

Fines Coming Soon

While 2025 is a grace period, from January 1, 2026, fines will be enforced for those who ignore the rules. The government has yet to reveal the exact penalties, but pet owners are urged to register before it’s too late!

“This isn’t just about legal requirements,” Dr. Al Shamsi concluded. “It’s about protecting animals, reducing strays, and ensuring public health.”

How to Register Your Pet

Pet owners can register their pets at any authorised vet clinic in Abu Dhabi or via the TAMM portal online. The process includes: A health check-up Vaccination record verification Microchipping for identification

(Source:dayofdubai, KT)

As the spirit of giving intensifies during Ramadan, UAE authorities have raised an urgent alarm over a rise in online begging and fraudulent fundraising campaigns. Cybercriminals are exploiting the holy month’s generosity by targeting unsuspecting donors with deceptive tactics. The UAE Cybersecurity Council urges residents to stay vigilant, ensuring their contributions reach legitimate recipients through secure and verified channels.

Rise in Fraudulent Appeals

Since the beginning of Ramadan, several UAE citizens and residents have received messages on websites and social media platforms seeking donations to unknown bank accounts. These appeals often claim to support the poor, orphans, the sick, or communities in need, as well as contribute to Iftar meals.

In response, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has urged the public to report any unauthorised fundraising campaigns or suspicious donation channels — whether online or on social media — by contacting the helpline at 800623.

Penalties for Unauthorised Fundraising

The UAE Public Prosecution has emphasised the severe penalties for promoting or organising fundraising activities without the necessary license. Individuals found guilty of operating a website, supervising one, or publishing online content to solicit donations without proper authorisation — or in violation of approved licensing conditions – could face imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh200,000 to Dh500,000.

Case of Online Fraud

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department highlighted a real-life case on its “X” account, where an individual created a WhatsApp group called “The Path to Goodness.” Multiple members were added, and messages were sent claiming, “Dear benefactors, I know a family of orphans whose eldest brother is struggling with debt due to their financial burdens.” He then encouraged donations to a specified bank account. However, instead of using the funds for charity, he withdrew the money to purchase illegal substances.

“Donate Safely” Campaign

To combat fraud, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has launched its “Donate Safely and Protect Your Money from Exploitation” campaign. This initiative encourages donors to verify the legitimacy of fundraising organisations before contributing and comply with Federal Law No. 3 of 2021, which regulates fundraising activities and protects donor funds. The ministry urges the public to report unauthorised donation campaigns or suspicious activities via the helpline.

Tips to Avoid Online Fraud

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has outlined five key tips to help individuals avoid phishing scams and identify fraudulent donation schemes:

1. Verify official channels – Always check the official social media accounts of companies or charitable organisations before donating.
2. Be wary of unrealistic offers – Avoid exaggerated deals, unrealistic discounts, or suspiciously low prices.
3. Protect personal information – Never share personal details via email or text messages.
4. Confirm caller identity – In the UAE, companies must use verified caller IDs. Do not share sensitive information with unidentified callers.

UAE Law on Fundraising

According to a legal expert, UAE regulations require organisations to obtain prior authorisation before launching donation drives. These regulations ensure transparency by specifying:

• The licensed charitable organisation responsible for collecting donations.
• The clear purpose of the fundraising campaign, including fund allocation and beneficiaries.
• Approved methods and platforms for fundraising.
• The campaign’s duration and operational costs are deducted by the organising charity.

Individuals are strictly prohibited from launching donation campaigns on social media without official authorisation, ensuring funds reach legitimate recipients.

UAE’s Federal Law on Anti-Begging

According to Federal Law by Decree No. 31 of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law, anyone caught begging in the UAE faces a fine of Dh5,000 and up to three months of imprisonment. Those operating organised begging rings or recruiting individuals from abroad for begging can face a minimum fine of Dh100,000 and a jail term of at least six months.

The law aims to:

• Preserve the UAE’s image.
• Protect society from scams.
• Combat begging and organised begging networks.

At the discretion of the UAE’s Public Prosecution, individuals accused of begging but qualifying for social welfare may be referred to the Ministry of Community Development or relevant local authority for social support or vocational training.

Reporting Beggars

Authorities urge the public to report instances of begging through the following channels:

• Abu Dhabi: Call 999 or 8002626 (800Aman), SMS 2828, or email aman@adpolice.gov.ae.
• Dubai: Call 901, 800243, or 8004888.
• Sharjah: Call 901, 06-5632222, or 06-5631111.
• Ras Al Khaimah: Call 07-2053372.
• Ajman: Call 06-7034310.
• Umm Al Quwain: Call 999.
• Fujairah: Call 09-2051100 or 09-2224411.

Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of donating through verified channels to ensure funds reach those in genuine need and to protect individuals from financial exploitation.

(Source: GN, www.u.ae/)