Dubai Municipality has warned residents travelling during the summer holidays not to leave their vehicles unattended in public areas, saying neglected cars can lead to fines and towing.
The authority said vehicles left for long periods without cleaning, maintenance or supervision affect the city’s appearance and may be treated as abandoned.
Motorists travelling abroad or leaving their cars unused for extended periods have been asked to follow five steps: avoid parking in deserted or sandy areas, carry out regular maintenance, arrange periodic cleaning, use protective covers and keep vehicles in secure designated parking spaces.
Dubai Municipality said preserving the emirate’s clean and organised appearance is a shared responsibility.
Inspection teams work throughout the year to identify abandoned vehicles on roads, in public car parks and in open sandy areas.
Once a vehicle is identified, inspectors document it and issue a warning period ranging from three to 15 days, depending on its condition and location.
Owners of vehicles registered in Dubai are notified by SMS using records held by the Roads and Transport Authority.
If the vehicle is not moved after the warning period, it is removed in coordination with Emirates Parking and taken to the impound yard in Al Awir.
Owners face a Dh500 fine, in addition to towing and impound charges. These costs vary according to the vehicle’s type, weight and the period it remains in storage. Extra fees may apply if specialised equipment is needed for removal.
The municipality said following the guidelines will help residents protect their vehicles, avoid penalties and support Dubai’s cleanliness standards.
Separately, Dubai Municipality also issued seven safety recommendations for families using home swimming pools during summer, as more residents use private pools during the school holidays.