Dubai Police have issued a fresh warning to residents about a surge in online begging scams during the holy month of Ramadan, urging the public not to respond to suspicious donation appeals shared on websites and social media.

The Anti-Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said fraudsters and organised groups are exploiting the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines Ramadan, using fake causes and emotional stories to illegally collect money.

Authorities stressed that donations and zakat should only be made through officially licensed and authorised charitable organisations in the UAE to ensure funds reach genuine beneficiaries.

Online begging is a criminal offence under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. Article 51 states that anyone found soliciting money through information technology means can face up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh10,000, or one of the two penalties.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected cases by calling 901, using the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police smart app, or submitting a report via the official eCrime platform.

The warning forms part of Dubai Police’s annual “Combat Begging” campaign, launched under the slogan “An Aware Society Without Begging.” Running throughout Ramadan, the initiative aims to curb both individual and organised begging, raise awareness, and promote safe and regulated charitable giving.

The campaign is being carried out in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

Dubai Police reiterated that protecting the spirit of generosity during Ramadan is a shared responsibility, calling on residents to remain vigilant and support only trusted, authorised channels when giving back this month.

With Ramadan approaching, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has confirmed the official guidelines for installing temporary Ramadan Iftar tents in front of homes and residential villas across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The good news? The permit is completely free, and the process is fully digital.

How to apply for a Ramadan tent permit

Residents and companies can apply through the TAMM platform by:

• Logging in using UAE Digital ID
• Submitting the application
• Receiving approval before installation

No additional documents are required, and there are no fees for the service.

Ramadan tent rules in Abu Dhabi

• Only one tent per residence
• Must be installed directly in front of the property
• Placement allowed between the plot boundary and the pavement only
• Must not block traffic, pedestrian walkways, or public services
• No installation over visible utilities (manholes, fire hydrants, service lines)
• No excavation work allowed

Technical specifications

• Maximum area: 60 square metres
• Maximum height: 4.5 metres
• Materials must be approved (fabric tents, traditional بيتشعر, tarpaulin, or similar tent-specific materials)

The following are not allowed:

• Cooking equipment
• Charcoal use
• Loudspeakers
• Commercial or rental activities
• Buying, selling, or promotional events

Liability & Compliance

The property owner is fully responsible for:

• Any damage to public or private property
• Ensuring installation matches the approved location
• Removing the tent once the permitted period expires

Abu Dhabi Municipality reserves the right to request immediate removal in case of:

• Emergencies
• Complaints
• Violations of permit conditions

Failure to comply may result in legal action under DMT regulations.

If you’re planning to host family and friends for `iftar this Ramadan, make sure your tent is fully compliant before setting it up.

Ramadan is almost here, and while the official start date is still pending confirmation of the moon sighting, Dubai residents can already expect changes to daily life — including revised Salik toll charges.

Dubai’s toll gate operator has announced updated Salik pricing for the holy month of Ramadan, reflecting shifts in traffic patterns, shorter working hours and adjusted school timings.

If you regularly drive through the Salik gates, here’s exactly what you’ll pay during Ramadan 2026.

Salik Charges During Ramadan

Monday to Saturday

• Peak hours (9am to 5pm): Dh6
• Low-peak hours (7am to 9am and 5pm to 2am): Dh4
• Off-peak hours (2am to 7am): Free

Sundays (except public holidays and major events)

• Peak hours (9am to 5pm): Dh4
• Low-peak hours (7am to 9am and 5pm to 2am): Dh4
• Off-peak hours (2am to 7am): Free

Why Salik Prices Change in Ramadan

During Ramadan, working hours across the UAE are reduced, school timings shift, and public transport schedules are adjusted. As a result, traffic flows change significantly compared to the rest of the year.

The revised Salik toll rates are designed to:

• Manage congestion during peak daytime hours
• Reflect reduced traffic in early morning hours
• Improve overall traffic flow across Dubai

With the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee set to meet soon, Ramadan is expected to begin on either Wednesday or Thursday, depending on crescent visibility.

For regular commuters, it’s worth planning your travel times, especially if you’re looking to avoid peak Dh6 charges.