The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed a Dh1.82 million financial penalty on a branch of a foreign bank operating in the country for violating consumer protection rules.

The regulator did not identify the bank involved.

Why was the bank fined?

According to the CBUAE, inspections found that the bank failed to issue a liability letter within the mandatory seven-day timeframe, breaching the central bank’s Market Conduct and Consumer Protection Regulations and Standards.

The penalty was imposed under Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025, which governs the Central Bank, financial institutions and insurance activities.

What is a liability letter?

A liability letter is issued when a customer wants to transfer an existing loan or other financial obligations to another bank or apply for new financing elsewhere.

Banks are required to provide the document within seven days to ensure customers can switch lenders or complete financing arrangements without unnecessary delays.

CBUAE reinforces consumer protection

The central bank said the enforcement action reflects its commitment to ensuring banks comply with UAE laws and consumer protection regulations.

The regulator added that it will continue to monitor financial institutions to uphold transparency, integrity and high standards across the UAE’s banking sector.

Commuters using Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station should expect temporary traffic changes after Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) closed the station’s bus and taxi service road until the end of 2026.

The closure is part of a major expansion project aimed at increasing the station’s capacity to meet growing passenger demand.

Why is the road closed?

According to the RTA, the service road has been closed to allow construction work for the station’s expansion.

The road will remain accessible only to construction vehicles during the project.

What should commuters know?

To minimise disruption, the RTA has introduced a traffic management plan and advises passengers to:

• Follow directional signs around the station.
• Observe the posted speed limits.
• Start their journeys earlier to allow extra travel time.
• Use the designated alternative parking areas.

Public transport services will continue to operate, with measures in place to ensure passengers can safely access the station.

Why is the station being expanded?

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is one of the busiest stations on the Dubai Metro network, serving thousands of commuters and visitors heading to:

• Dubai Mall.
• Burj Khalifa.
• Downtown Dubai.

Once completed, the expansion will:

• Increase hourly passenger capacity by 65%, from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers.
• Raise daily capacity to up to 220,000 passengers.
• Help reduce congestion during major events, public holidays and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The upgrade is part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to improve public transport infrastructure and accommodate the city’s growing number of residents and visitors.

A bottle of cold water or an ice cream may seem like a small gesture, but during Dubai’s summer heat, it can make a meaningful difference.

That’s the idea behind the third edition of the Al Freej Fridge campaign, launched on July 3 at Al Khawaneej Majlis. The community initiative aims to distribute two million bottles of cold water, juices and frozen treats to workers across Dubai throughout the summer.

Supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and organised in partnership with Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank, the campaign brings together volunteers, government entities and community organisations to recognise the contributions of workers who spend long hours outdoors.

Bigger campaign, more volunteers

Organisers say this year’s campaign will expand volunteer participation to around 200 volunteers while encouraging more government entities, companies and residents to get involved.

Portable fridges will also be introduced, allowing volunteers to stock refreshments and distribute them directly to workers across different parts of Dubai.

For workers, the cold water, juice and ice cream are welcome relief during the hot summer days.

This campaign will continue until September 3, reaching workers across construction sites, industrial areas and other outdoor workplaces throughout Dubai.