Dubai Police have tracked down a number of criminal gang members involved in human and drug trafficking thanks to anonymous tip-offs from the public.
More than 108,000 reports of various crimes were made to the force's Police Eye mobile app last year.
About 32,102 of these were reports of human trafficking, drug use and cyber crimes, while 9,297 traffic offences were reported.
Police did not disclose the specific number of arrests made due to information provided by the public.
Police Eye was launched in 2019 to allow residents to report any suspicious activity to Dubai Police as part of efforts to make the city safer for the public.
There are several categories available on the app, including disturbances, drugs, suspicious vehicles, suspicious gatherings, illegal credit sales, gambling, beggars, vandalism, prostitution, alcohol, school security and massage cards.
Maj Gen Eid Mohammed Thani, director of the anti-narcotics department at Dubai Police, said many of the tip-offs had helped the force arrest drug-trafficking gangs.
"We were able to identify dealers and users, thanks to the observations of the public when they reported the crimes using the Police Eye app," he said.
The force have also received information on people abroad being involved in drug-trafficking crimes in Dubai.
According to Maj Gen Saif Al Mazrouei, director of the general department of traffic at Dubai Police, there has been a "remarkable increase" in public engagement with the app since it was launched.
"This community-police partnership has helped the traffic department get to areas and trace offences we wouldn't have known of otherwise," he said.
In one incident, traffic police were able to trace and arrest a number of young men who were stunt-driving near a valley in the emirate.
“We were tipped about them through public members using the Police Eye app," Maj Gen Al Mazrouei said.
"In another incident, we arrested a number of motorists stunt-driving in the desert close to an area which is popular with families."
Surge in public support
The number of tip-offs relating to criminal activity in the emirate has steadily increased, with reports on human trafficking, drug use and cyber crimes rising from 3,752 in 2019, to 32,102 last year.
Reports on traffic offences have also surged from 845 in 2019 to 9,297 throughout 2023.
Maj Gen Mazrouei said the increase in tip-offs was "testament to the heightened sense of responsibility and legal awareness within our community", with the app becoming a crucial tool in the fight against crime.
Users can submit their tip-offs anonymously in various formats, such as written descriptions, images or videos.
Submissions are received by a dedicated team in the operations rooms, which classifies each report and directs it to the appropriate department.
"This streamlined process ensures that every piece of information is handled with the utmost care and precision, bolstering the app's role as a vital tool in crime prevention and public safety," said Brig Mansour Youssef Muhammad Al Gergawi, director of the general administration of administrative affairs at Dubai Police.
He said the public's active participation has not only aided in significant arrests but reinforces their role in safeguarding the community.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Recycle Reuse Repurpose
New central waste facility on site at expo Dubai South area to handle estimated 173 tonne of waste generated daily by millions of visitors
Recyclables such as plastic, paper, glass will be collected from bins on the expo site and taken to the new expo Central Waste Facility on site
Organic waste will be processed at the new onsite Central Waste Facility, treated and converted into compost to be re-used to green the expo area
Of 173 tonnes of waste daily, an estimated 39 per cent will be recyclables, 48 per cent organic waste and 13 per cent general waste.
About 147 tonnes will be recycled and converted to new products at another existing facility in Ras Al Khor
Recycling at Ras Al Khor unit:
Plastic items to be converted to plastic bags and recycled
Paper pulp moulded products such as cup carriers, egg trays, seed pots, and food packaging trays
Glass waste into bowls, lights, candle holders, serving trays and coasters
Aim is for 85 per cent of waste from the site to be diverted from landfill
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
What is a Ponzi scheme?
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
If you go
The Flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Johannesburg from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Economy return tickets cost from Dh2,650, including taxes.
The trip
Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays (worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk) operates fly-drive motorhome holidays in eight destinations, including South Africa. Its 14-day Kruger and the Battlefields itinerary starts from Dh17,500, including campgrounds, excursions, unit hire and flights. Bobo Campers has a range of RVs for hire, including the 4-berth Discoverer 4 from Dh600 per day.
More on Quran memorisation:
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
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