The UAE has announced a temporary measure allowing residents who are currently outside the country and whose residency permits have expired to return without applying for a new entry visa or paying any fines.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) confirmed that the decision will be effective for one month, starting February 28, until March 31.

The move applies to residents whose UAE residency permits expired on or after February 28 while they were abroad and who were unable to return due to airspace closures or flight suspensions in the region. Under the new directive, affected residents can re-enter the UAE during the grace period and regularise their legal status without incurring financial penalties.

Authorities said the decision was taken in response to exceptional circumstances impacting residents overseas, preventing them from returning on time to renew their residency permits. The measure reflects the UAE’s humanitarian approach to crisis management, aimed at easing the burden on residents and allowing them to continue living and working in the country.

Officials also highlighted that the decision supports the country’s “Year of the Family” initiative, helping reunite families whose members were stranded abroad due to travel disruptions.

The ICP added that it continues to implement emergency response and business continuity plans across UAE airports and operational centres to ensure smooth procedures, assist residents affected by flight changes, and maintain uninterrupted services.

Residents are advised to follow official government channels for updates and regulatory guidelines related to the decision.

Dubai has expanded its smart parking network as Parkin officially introduced paid parking in Wasl Village. The move is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic management and streamline parking access in busy residential and commercial areas.

Clear signboards have now been installed across Wasl Village to help drivers easily identify paid parking zones. Visitors and residents can park with flexible hourly tariffs starting from Dh2 for 30 minutes, while four hours of parking costs Dh16. Parking services in the area operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing convenient access for visitors at any time.

For regular users, Parkin has also introduced subscription packages. Drivers can opt for Dh900 for three months, Dh1,800 for six months, or Dh3,600 for a full year, offering a convenient option for those who frequently park in the area.

However, during Ramadan, special parking timings apply. Paid parking will be active Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm and 8pm to midnight, while free parking is available daily between 6pm and 8pm as well as on Sundays and public holidays.

Authorities have urged motorists to follow parking signage, respect designated zones, and ensure payments are made to avoid fines. The initiative is expected to improve traffic flow and parking availability across one of Dubai’s growing residential communities.

Authorities in the UAE have warned residents against sharing rumours, false information, or misleading content online, stressing that such actions are illegal and can result in serious penalties.

Dubai Police reminded residents that posting or forwarding content that contradicts official announcements or spreads misinformation is strictly prohibited. The authority added that sharing misleading posts that could cause public panic or threaten safety, security, or public health is considered a criminal offence.

Violators may face imprisonment for at least two years and fines starting at Dh200,000, according to authorities.

Residents must verify information

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has also urged residents to be cautious when sharing information online, especially during sensitive situations.

Officials noted that information spreads quickly during times of tension and not all circulating news may be accurate. Residents are advised to verify the source of any information before sharing it and rely only on updates from official government channels.

Sharing photos and videos of accident sites

UAE Attorney General Hamid Saif Al Shamsi warned residents against photographing or sharing images and videos of accident scenes or damage caused by falling debris.

Such content can create unnecessary panic and may give a misleading impression of the country’s safety conditions.

Al Shamsi stressed that public safety institutions across the UAE continue to operate effectively and daily life remains stable nationwide.

What does the UAE law say?

Spreading rumours or unverified information is a criminal offence under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrime.

Under Article 52 of the law, anyone who publishes or republishes false or misleading information that contradicts official announcements or harms public security can face:

• Up to two years in prison
• Fines of up to Dh200,000

Authorities reminded residents that even reposting or forwarding false information can lead to legal consequences, and urged the public to act responsibly when using social media.