Not every website is what it seems, and that “official-looking” page you just opened might actually be a clever scam.

That’s the warning from the UAE Cyber Security Council, which has urged internet users to pay close attention to every click, as cybercriminals are getting smarter at mimicking trusted websites.

According to the Council, fraudsters often exploit tiny details, a swapped letter in a URL, a missing padlock icon, or an unusual domain, to lure users into fake websites that steal personal information.

“Smart user choices are the key to staying safe online,” the Council reminded.

To verify whether a website is genuine, residents can use the official StaySafe platform at staysafe.csc.gov.ae.

Look for these red flags

The Council has listed several warning signs to spot fraudulent websites:

• Misspelt URLs or extra characters
• The absence of HTTPS (the “S” stands for secure)
• No padlock icon in the browser bar
• Unusual or suspicious domain extensions

If any of these appear, don’t share your details.

The Council also explained the crucial difference between HTTP and HTTPS.
While HTTP transmits data in plain text (and can be intercepted by hackers), HTTPS encrypts information and verifies a website’s authenticity before data is exchanged.

Smart browsing habits that protect your data

The UAE Cyber Security Council has shared some practical steps to browse safely:

• Use private browsing mode to reduce tracking.
• Install privacy extensions for extra protection.
• Clear cookies and cache regularly.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive tasks.
• Always check for HTTPS before entering personal data.
• Never click on suspicious links or QR codes.

Your smartphone, the Council noted, contains highly sensitive data, from Emirates ID to financial information, making regular browser updates and caution essential.

Whether you’re shopping, banking, or simply browsing, a moment’s caution can save you from a major cyber headache.

So next time, before you click, pause, and check that padlock.

If you’re someone who frequently uses taxis in Dubai, listen up. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has just announced some important updates to cab fares when you book via smart apps like Careem.

The minimum fare for e-booked rides has now gone up from Dh12 to Dh13. But don’t worry, if you flag down a cab on the street, these new rates won’t affect you.

Plus, there are new booking fees that change depending on whether it’s peak, off-peak, or night hours, and they vary by day of the week. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Monday to Thursday Rates

• Peak hours (8am-9:59am, 4pm-7:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh7.5

• Off-peak (6am-7:59am, 10am-3:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh4

• Night hours (5:59pm-10pm): Minimum fare Dh5.5, Booking fee Dh4.5

Friday Rates

• Peak (8am-9:59am, 4pm-9:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh7.5

• Off-peak (6am-7:59am, 10am-3:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh4

• Night (Midnight-5:59am): Minimum fare Dh5.5, Booking fee Dh4.5

Saturday and Sunday Rates

• Peak (4pm-9:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh7.5

• Late night peak (10pm-11:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5.5

• Off-peak (6am-7:59am, 10am-3:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh4

• Night (Midnight-5:59am): Minimum fare Dh5.5, Booking fee Dh4.5

Benefit for travellers

The revised taxi fare system is part of RTA’s broader move toward smart mobility and data-driven transport management.

By analysing booking patterns and demand peaks across the city, the authority has developed a model that encourages travel during off-peak hours and ensures better distribution of drivers throughout Dubai.

The new system also brings greater transparency for riders. Instead of fixed surcharges that often didn’t reflect real-time demand, fares will now adjust dynamically, rising during busy morning and evening periods, and becoming more affordable during mid-day and late-night hours.

What changes for commuters?
For users booking through taxi apps, fares will now vary slightly depending on when they book, lower during quieter times and higher when demand surges. For passengers hailing taxis on the street, fares remain unchanged.

The shift aligns Dubai’s fare structure with global smart-transport models focused on transparency, fairness, and efficiency. With this update, Dubai’s taxis are now more responsive to real-world demand, ensuring smoother operations and better service availability throughout the day.

So, if you rely on booking rides through apps, make sure you’re ready for these new fare changes. They’re designed to keep the taxi service running smoothly during busy times.

The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is on track to reach a record Dh170 billion ($46.3 billion) by 2030, according to new research from global consultancy Grand View Research (GVR), solidifying the nation’s position as a key driver of the region’s AI revolution.

The study projects that the MENA AI market, valued at Dh43.7 billion ($11.9 billion) in 2023, will surge nearly 15-fold to Dh610 billion ($166.3 billion) by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 44.8%.

“The Middle East, and especially the UAE, is no longer just an adopter of global AI technologies – it’s shaping its own playbook,” said Swayam Dash, Managing Director at Grand View Research. 

“Sovereign funds, innovation hubs, and forward-thinking policies like the UAE’s Strategic Plan 2031 are turning the region into a global testbed for AI-driven growth.”

Nearly three in four UAE companies have maintained or increased AI investments this year, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and finance. The report highlights that AI in Healthcare is expected to grow from Dh709 million in 2023 to Dh5.39 billion by 2030, while legal AI is forecast to triple to Dh446 million in the same period.

GVR’s findings underline that the UAE is now leading real-world AI integration across smart cities, urban mobility, and public services, supported by advancements in 5G, cloud, and IoT technologies.

The full Grand View Research MENA AI Market Report details how policy, data, and innovation are converging to shape one of the world’s most dynamic digital economies.