Dubai Police has issued a serious warning about viral social media content encouraging people, especially children, to consume excessive amounts of energy drinks.

Officials from the Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigations said some online videos are chasing views and engagement without considering the potentially dangerous health consequences behind these trends.

Serious health risks highlighted

Dubai Police warned that excessive energy drink consumption can lead to major health complications, including:

• Heart rhythm disorders
• Convulsions
• Loss of consciousness
• Sudden cardiac arrest

Authorities also stressed that children may face additional risks, such as:

• Poisoning
• Stomach disorders
• Increased anxiety and nervousness
• Poor concentration and memory
• Sleep problems
• High blood pressure and rapid heart rate

Parents urged to monitor online content

Police are urging parents to closely monitor the content children consume online and to educate them about the dangers of blindly following social media trends.

Officials warned that many viral videos are created purely to gain views, likes and interaction, often without regard for public safety.

Report harmful content

Dubai Police called on the public to report any online content promoting dangerous behaviour or threatening community safety through:

• The Dubai Police smart app
• The official eCrime reporting platform
• The non-emergency hotline 901

Awareness platform launched

As part of broader cyber safety efforts, Dubai Police also highlighted its electronic awareness platform, which guides users in both Arabic and English on:

• Cybercrime prevention
• Online fraud awareness
• Digital safety tips for families and businesses

The platform is aimed at children, parents, employees, business owners and social media users across the country.

As Eid Al Adha approaches, Dubai Police has issued a fresh warning to residents about a growing wave of online scams involving fake sacrificial animal sales.

Authorities say fraudsters are exploiting the festive season by posting deceptive advertisements on social media platforms and unverified websites, offering sacrificial animals at unusually low prices to lure unsuspecting buyers.

How the scam works

According to Dubai Police, scammers typically:

• Post fake advertisements using stolen or fabricated images
• Offer special deals and unrealistically low prices
• Ask buyers to make advance payments to reserve or deliver the animal

Once the money is transferred, the fraudsters disappear, leaving victims without the animal or any way to recover their funds.

Police urge residents to stay alert

Officials warned residents not to be misled by:

• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Exaggerated promotional offers
• Unknown social media sellers

Instead, the public is being advised to:

• Deal only with accredited and trusted sellers
• Use official platforms and verified suppliers
• Avoid transferring money to unverified accounts

How to report fraud

Dubai Police also urged residents to immediately report suspicious accounts or scam attempts through:

• The official eCrime platform
• The non-emergency hotline 901

Authorities stressed that community awareness and cooperation remain key to preventing cyber fraud during the Eid season.

With online scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, Dubai Police are reminding residents of one simple rule this Eid: If an offer looks unrealistically cheap, think twice before paying.

The rental process in the UAE is getting a major digital upgrade, with tenant credit checks slowly becoming part of the leasing journey.

For many residents who have rented abroad, sharing a credit score may already feel familiar. But in the UAE, the concept is still new, and importantly, fully based on tenant consent.

How the new system works

The new Tenant Screening solution, launched by Etihad Credit Bureau in collaboration with UAE PASS, allows landlords to request access to a prospective tenant’s credit score.

Here’s the key detail:

• Tenants receive a request through UAE PASS
• They can approve or reject access themselves
• No credit information is shared without consent

The goal is to create a more transparent and efficient rental process while keeping financial data secure.

Why landlords want it

For landlords, the system offers verified financial insights that may help assess payment reliability, especially for:

• Luxury properties
• High-value rentals
• Multiple post-dated cheque agreements

The credit check is designed to complement existing requirements, such as:

• Salary certificates
• Emirates ID
• Visa verification

How to check your UAE credit score

1. Visit the official AECB platform or download the app
2. Log in using UAE PASS or register with:
   • Emirates ID
   • Mobile number
   • Email address
3. Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your phone
4. Select Credit Score Report
5. Pay:
   • Dh10.50 for the score only
   • Dh84 for the full credit report (including VAT)
6. Receive your score instantly in PDF format

Strong credit profile benefits

While some renters may initially see it as another step, supporters say the system could actually make approvals faster and smoother.

In competitive rental markets such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a strong credit profile could help tenants stand out and reassure landlords during the application process.

Officials say UAE PASS plays a critical role by acting as the secure gateway for all approvals, ensuring users remain in control of their personal financial information.

The system is currently optional, but experts believe tenant screening could become increasingly common as the UAE rental market continues to modernise.