Dubai Police has issued a fresh warning about online scams involving fake Consumer Protection websites designed to steal personal and banking information from unsuspecting victims.

According to the force’s Anti-Fraud Centre, scammers are creating websites that closely resemble official consumer protection platforms before tricking users into sharing sensitive information.

Here’s how the scam works and how you can protect yourself.

How does the scam work?

The fraud typically follows these steps:

Step 1: Victims visit a fake website

People searching online for Consumer Protection services may accidentally land on a fraudulent website that looks genuine.

The fake site asks users to enter:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Complaint details

Step 2: Scammers call pretending to help

Soon after submitting the information, victims receive a phone call from someone claiming to represent Consumer Protection.

Because the fraudsters already know the complaint details, the call appears convincing and trustworthy.

Step 3: Victims are asked to install remote access software

The caller then instructs the victim to download remote access software onto their phone or computer.

This software allows scammers to remotely view and control the victim’s device.

Step 4: Banking information is stolen

Victims are asked to log into their online banking account while the remote access software is active.

Fraudsters can then:

• View banking credentials.
• Capture passwords and security codes.
• Transfer money.
• Make unauthorised purchases.
• Access other personal information stored on the device.

How can you protect yourself?

Dubai Police advises residents to:

• Use only official Consumer Protection websites and government channels.
• Never click on suspicious links.
• Avoid downloading software requested by unknown callers.
• Never share online banking credentials with anyone.
• Verify the authenticity of websites before entering personal information.

What should you do if you receive a suspicious call?

If someone claiming to represent Consumer Protection asks you to:

• Download an app.
• Install remote access software.
• Log into your bank account.
• Share banking details.

End the call immediately.

Legitimate government authorities will never ask you to install software that gives them access to your device.

How do you report a scam?

Residents who encounter similar fraud attempts are encouraged to report them through:

• Dubai Police’s e-Crime platform.
• Dubai Police’s non-emergency number 901.

Reporting scams helps authorities investigate cybercriminals and prevent others from becoming victims.

Dubai’s financial regulator is planning the biggest update to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) investment fund rules in more than a decade.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has launched a public consultation on a wide-ranging package of reforms designed to modernise the DIFC’s investment fund framework, simplify regulations for fund managers and strengthen investor protection.

Here’s what you need to know.

Why is the DFSA changing the rules?

The DFSA says the investment fund industry has evolved significantly since the current framework was introduced in 2006.

The proposed reforms aim to:

• Modernise regulations to reflect today’s investment market.
• Reduce unnecessary compliance requirements.
• Make it easier for fund managers to operate.
• Maintain strong investor protection.
• Align DIFC regulations with international best practices.

What are the proposed changes?

The consultation includes several key proposals:

More flexible rules for private investment funds

The DFSA plans to replace rigid classifications for specialist private funds with a more flexible framework that can better accommodate modern investment strategies.

Simpler licensing for fund managers

Investment managers may no longer need separate licences for certain activities, such as arranging investments or dealing on behalf of clients, as these would be covered under an existing asset management licence.

Updated rules for master-feeder funds

The regulator also wants to modernise regulations governing “master-feeder” fund structures to reflect current market practices better.

Removal of the external fund manager regime

The DFSA proposes removing the external fund manager framework as more firms are now seeking direct authorisation from the regulator.

More investment opportunities for employees

Employees could be given greater flexibility to invest in private funds managed by their own employers, either directly or through dedicated investment vehicles.

Technical improvements

The consultation also proposes several technical amendments to improve clarity and consistency within the Collective Investment Law.

Could tokenised investment funds become a reality?

The consultation also seeks industry feedback on regulating tokenised investment funds.

Tokenisation uses blockchain technology to represent ownership units digitally, potentially making investment funds more efficient and accessible.

At this stage, the DFSA is only gathering feedback and has not proposed formal regulations.

Will retail investors get access to more investment opportunities?

Another topic under discussion is the possible introduction of a long-term investment fund regime.

If developed in the future, it could allow retail investors to access certain long-term assets—such as infrastructure projects or private market investments- that are currently limited to professional investors.

No regulatory changes have been proposed yet; the regulator is first seeking industry views.

Who can provide feedback?

The consultation is open until September 7, 2026.

The DFSA is inviting comments from:

• Fund managers
• Asset managers
• Fund administrators
• Legal advisers
• Auditors
• Compliance professionals
• Other participants in the DIFC investment funds industry

The proposals form part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen its position as a leading regional hub for wealth and asset management while ensuring regulations remain modern, proportionate and investor-focused.

Visitors to some of Yas Island’s most popular destinations will soon experience a faster, cashless parking system.

Starting Monday, Yas Marina, Yas Bay Waterfront, and West Yas Plaza switched to a fully digital, barrier-free parking system that uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to manage entry, exit and payments.

Here’s everything you need to know.

How does the new parking system work?

The new smart parking system, introduced in partnership with PARKONIC, uses cameras to automatically scan vehicle licence plates when drivers enter and leave participating parking areas.

There are:

• No paper tickets.
• No parking barriers.
• No payment machines.
• No need to stop when exiting.

Parking charges are calculated automatically based on the time your vehicle remains parked.

How much does parking cost?

Yas Bay Waterfront

• Dh20 for the first hour.
• Dh10 for each additional hour.

Visitors can also receive:

• Up to 3 hours free when dining at participating restaurants.
• Up to 6 hours free for gym or beach visitors, subject to validation.

Yas Marina

Parking rates are identical to Yas Bay Waterfront:

• Dh20 for the first hour.
• Dh10 for every additional hour.

Validated visitors can enjoy:

• Up to 3 hours free at participating restaurants.
• Up to 6 hours free for gym users.

West Yas Plaza

• First hour free.
• Dh10 for every additional hour after that.

How do you pay?

If your vehicle is linked to a Salik account, parking fees will be automatically deducted from your Salik wallet unless you’ve selected another payment method.

Drivers without a Salik account can pay by:

• SMS
• The official PARKONIC mobile app

Is parking charged every day?

Yes.

Unlike public parking systems operated by Dubai’s RTA or Abu Dhabi’s Mawafiq, PARKONIC-managed parking operates:

• 24 hours a day
• 7 days a week
• Including weekends and public holidays

Why is Yas Island introducing digital parking?

The new system is designed to:

• Reduce waiting times.
• Eliminate queues at payment machines.
• Offer a completely contactless parking experience.
• Improve traffic flow at some of Yas Island’s busiest destinations.

With automatic licence plate recognition and seamless digital payments, visitors can spend less time parking and more time enjoying Yas Island’s attractions.