News

Loud cars, take note: Dubai Police rolls out more noise radars, Dh2,000 fine if you break the peace

Published

9 months ago

November 17, 2025

Spread the love

Dubai Police are stepping up their mission to keep the city quieter and calmer, and loud vehicles are firmly in the spotlight.

The force has announced an expansion of its “noise radars,” a smart system designed to detect vehicles and motorcycles that produce excessive sound. Whether it’s modified exhausts, blaring speakers, noisy motorbikes or unnecessary horn use, the radars can pinpoint the source of the disturbance and automatically record a violation.

The move aims to support Dubai’s wider vision of becoming one of the world’s most peaceful and civilised cities, a place where residents and visitors can enjoy quieter streets and a higher quality of life.

According to Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations at Dubai Police, the radars are part of the force’s growing smart technology system for traffic management. And they’re already proving effective.

These advanced devices can accurately measure vehicle noise levels, identify the exact source, and even record video if the decibel level exceeds legal limits. They also pick up on blaring music from car speakers and unnecessary horn use, something many residents have long complained about.

Fines for being ‘loud’

Drivers caught breaking the rules face a Dh2,000 fine, 12 black points, and Dh10,000 to release an impounded vehicle.

But police stress that the goal isn’t to fine people, it’s to encourage responsible, respectful driving behaviour.

“Keeping the peace is a shared responsibility,” Al Mazrouei said, emphasising that Dubai Police will continue to monitor disturbances through patrols and smart systems, while also running awareness campaigns about the health and community impact of excessive noise.

The initiative is also part of the broader work of the Dubai Civility Committee, formed under the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. The committee aims to elevate Dubai’s standards of cleanliness, order, beauty, and overall quality of life, strengthening its reputation as a modern, globally admired city.

With more noise radars being added across Dubai in the coming months, the emirate is taking a major step toward calmer, quieter streets and a more comfortable environment for everyone.

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

Published

4 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

News

UAE public holiday announced: 3-day weekend coming up on August 28

Published

4 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Planning your next long weekend? The UAE has confirmed Friday, August 28, as a public holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors.

The holiday commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, an occasion included among the UAE’s official public holidays. As the date follows the Islamic calendar, the timing changes from year to year.

A three-day break for many residents

With the holiday falling on a Friday, employees who follow a Monday-to-Friday working week can enjoy three days off:

Friday, August 28: Public holiday
Saturday, August 29: Weekend
Sunday, August 30: Weekend

That means residents can make the most of the break with a short trip, a staycation or a relaxed weekend at home.

Another UAE holiday is coming

The next major public holiday on the UAE calendar will be Eid Al Etihad, with celebrations and the official holiday scheduled for December 2 and 3.

News

What the UAE’s new vape excise price means for consumers and retailers

Published

4 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a new rule that sets a minimum excise price for liquids used in electronic smoking devices.

Beginning September 1, vaping liquids will be subject to a minimum excise price of AED 1 per millilitre.

The ministry confirmed that the existing minimum excise prices for cigarettes, water pipe tobacco (shisha), and other tobacco products will remain unchanged.

According to the ministry, the decision aims to improve tax compliance, respond to developments in the tobacco and vaping industry, and create a more consistent pricing framework across tobacco and electronic smoking products.

The UAE will also continue applying its 100% excise tax on all tobacco products covered under the country’s excise tax regulations.