Dubai Residents Urged to Protect Vehicles and Children as Summer Holidays Begin.
Dubai: Dubai Municipality has urged residents not to leave vehicles unattended in public areas during summer travel or long periods away, warning that abandoned cars can affect the city’s appearance and may lead to fines.
As the annual holiday season begins, the municipality advised motorists travelling abroad to take five precautions to protect their vehicles. These include avoiding parking in isolated or sandy areas, carrying out regular maintenance, arranging periodic cleaning, using protective covers and choosing designated, secure parking locations.
The municipality said that leaving vehicles without proper maintenance or supervision for extended periods can affect Dubai’s urban environment.
It emphasised that maintaining the emirate’s clean and organised appearance is a shared responsibility that relies on public awareness, cooperation and compliance with guidelines.
The municipality said its inspection teams work year-round to identify and remove abandoned vehicles from roads, public parking areas and open sandy spaces.
Vehicles found in such conditions are first documented and issued a warning period ranging from three to 15 days, depending on their condition and location. Owners of Dubai-registered vehicles are notified through SMS messages sent using records maintained by the Roads and Transport Authority.
If a vehicle remains in place after the warning period ends, it is removed in coordination with Emirates Parking and taken to an impound yard in Al Awir.
Dubai Municipality said owners of abandoned vehicles face a Dh500 fine, along with towing and impound fees. These additional charges vary depending on the vehicle’s type and weight, as well as the duration of its stay in storage. Extra costs may apply if specialised equipment is needed for removal.
The municipality said following the guidelines helps residents protect their vehicles, avoid penalties and contribute to maintaining Dubai’s cleanliness and quality of life standards.
Separately, the municipality also issued seven safety recommendations for families using home swimming pools during the summer holidays, as more residents turn to private pools during the school break.
The municipality urged parents to supervise children at all times and avoid distractions, including mobile phone use, while children are in or around swimming pools.
Other safety recommendations include securing pool areas when not in use, installing protective barriers, preventing risky behaviour such as running, diving or rough play, and carrying out regular maintenance checks. Families were also advised to monitor water treatment levels and keep children away from drainage and suction outlets, which can pose drowning or injury risks.
The municipality also recommended ensuring that an emergency shut-off switch is available and accessible when needed.
