The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) has issued a warning over a growing number of scams involving fake QR codes, especially those sent through email.

According to the authority, cybercriminals are exploiting how quickly information spreads by sharing QR codes that appear to offer urgent updates or important services. However, scanning these codes can expose users to serious risks.

DESC explained that such QR codes may install malware on devices or redirect users to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

How to protect your device

Residents are being urged to stay cautious by verifying the source of any email before scanning QR codes, avoiding suspicious messages, and never entering sensitive details on untrusted links.

To boost online safety, DESC also recommends using the RZAM app, which provides real-time alerts about unsafe websites and allows users to scan links before opening them.

The UAE skies have been looking especially dramatic lately. Moderate to heavy rain has been sweeping across parts of the country over the past few days, and it’s not done yet. Unstable weather conditions are expected to linger well into the weekend, with more showers, gusty winds, and dusty spells in the mix.

If anything, Friday looks like a heavy weather day, so it’s one of those weeks where keeping an eye on updates is vital.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued weather alerts across the UAE, warning of rain, strong winds, and dusty conditions continuing through Friday, with the most intense conditions expected at the end of the week.

The weather conditions now

• Yellow & Orange alerts are active
• Rain is expected across coastal and inland areas, day and night
• Winds may kick up dust and sand, reducing visibility (especially for drivers)

These conditions are being driven by convective clouds, basically, the kind that bring sudden rain and gusty weather.

Day-by-day forecast

Wednesday

• Partly cloudy to cloudy skies
• Scattered rain during the day
• Heavier showers are expected in the eastern regions and Al Ain at night
• Winds up to 50 km/h

Thursday

• Light rain early on
• Rain intensifies later in the day, especially in northern and eastern areas
• Showers may extend overnight to coastal regions
• Dusty winds likely

Friday 

• Heavy rains expected across most of the UAE
• Noticeable drop in temperatures 
• Strong winds up to 60 km/h
• Rough sea conditions 

Saturday

• Cloud cover across the country is expected to decrease, while winds become active to strong at times, particularly over the sea, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures. Conditions may lead to blowing dust and sand, resulting in reduced horizontal visibility in some areas.

Driving and sailing conditions

• Seas will be rough in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman
• Drivers should be extra cautious due to:
  • Reduced visibility
  • Wet roads
  • Blowing dust

Authorities are advising residents to:

• Avoid flood-prone areas and valleys
• Stay away from beaches during rough conditions
• Drive carefully and follow official updates
• Keep an eye on weather alerts before heading out

Emergency teams on high alert

Municipal, police and road transport teams are in action throughout the country:

• The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has strengthened its field readiness with field teams and specialised equipment that have been deployed across critical locations, flood-prone areas, and wadi beds in coordination with relevant authorities. 
• Emergency teams have also been working around the clock in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• In Al Dhafra, hundreds of cases were handled within hours, while in Dibba Al Hisn, teams are working to manage drainage and traffic
• Ajman has ramped up preparedness as part of nationwide efforts

From clearing waterlogged roads to monitoring drainage systems, response teams are making sure things stay under control.

Residents and visitors can expect a mix of rain, gusty winds, and dusty conditions, especially as the weather intensifies heading into Friday. Authorities are urging everyone to stay indoors where possible and prioritise safety during this period of unstable weather.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is reinforcing stricter rules for car rentals across the emirate, and it’s good news for both residents and tourists.

At the heart of this move is a mandatory unified contract that all rental companies must follow. This contract standardises how rental agreements work, clearly laying out the rights and responsibilities of both renters and rental offices in a transparent way.

“We have also organised a series of awareness workshops for companies operating in the car rental sector across the emirate to familiarise them with the contract’s provisions, obligations, and implementation procedures,” said Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA.

What this means for drivers

• Same rules everywhere
  Whether you rent from a big brand or a small office, the same contract applies across Dubai, no more confusing or inconsistent terms.
• Stronger consumer protection
  The contract ensures:
  • No hidden fees (like surprise toll charges)
  • No unfair charges during accident repairs
  • Mandatory refund of your security deposit within a set timeframe
• Digital and secure process
  Rentals are handled through the Transport Activities Rental System (TARS), with:
  • Identity verification
  • OTP-based digital signatures
  • Secure, automated contracts
• Proof of vehicle condition
  Photos are taken at pickup and return, protecting you from disputes over damage.
• Better awareness for renters
  The system is designed to reduce complaints and help users, especially tourists, fully understand their rights before signing.

This move aligns with Dubai’s push to enhance trust and transparency in services, reinforcing its reputation as a well-regulated, customer-friendly destination.