Dubai Municipality has urged residents not to leave their vehicles unattended in public spaces during summer travels or long absences, as abandoned cars can mar the city's appearance and result in fines for owners.

With the start of the annual holiday season, the Municipality advised those planning to travel abroad to follow five measures to protect their vehicles: avoid parking in abandoned or sandy areas, perform regular maintenance, schedule periodic cleaning, use protective covers, and park only in designated and secure locations.

Dubai Municipality stated that leaving vehicles for long periods without maintenance or supervision can negatively impact Dubai's urban landscape. The authority emphasized that maintaining the clean and organized appearance of the emirate is a shared responsibility that relies on public awareness and compliance with regulations.

Throughout the year, municipal inspection teams identify and remove abandoned vehicles from roads, public parking lots, and open sandy areas.

In the first stage, vehicle details are recorded, and a warning notice is issued with a grace period of three to 15 days, depending on the condition and location of the vehicle. Owners of vehicles registered in Dubai also receive warning SMS messages based on data from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

If the vehicle remains in place after the deadline, it is removed in coordination with Emirates Parkings and transferred to the impound yard in the Al Aweer area.

According to Dubai Municipality, owners of abandoned vehicles face a fine of AED 500. Towing and storage costs are added to this amount, with the total varying based on the vehicle's type, weight, and the duration of its stay in the impound lot. Additional fees will also be charged if specialized equipment is required for the transfer.

Dubai Municipality stated that following these recommendations helps protect vehicles, avoid fines, and support efforts to maintain high standards of cleanliness and quality of life in Dubai.

The authority also separately issued seven safety recommendations for families using home swimming pools during the summer season, as pool usage increases during school holidays.

The Municipality urged parents to constantly supervise children while swimming and to avoid distractions such as mobile phones.

Other recommendations include securing the pool area when not in use, installing protective barriers, preventing dangerous behaviors such as running, diving, or rough play, performing regular maintenance, monitoring water treatment levels, and keeping children away from drain and suction outlets that may pose a risk of drowning or injury.

It is also recommended that an emergency shut-off switch for pool equipment be easily accessible for use in case of emergencies.