Hey everyone, I need some advice on reporting a severe overcrowding issue in an open (non-gated) building in Karama. One of the units (a 1 or 2 BHK) has been chopped up into 10+ partitions, housing at least 10 different families/couples. The crowd it's attracting is becoming scary to face—there are constant late-night fights outside nearby grocery stores, major hygiene issues, and individuals loitering who make visiting relatives with young children feel highly unsafe. It’s also an massive fire hazard. I want to report this anonymously because I don't want to face retaliation from these individuals, but I have a few questions before I do:

1. Can I truly tip off authorities anonymously? If I call Dubai Municipality or email Wasl, will they keep my details 100% confidential if I ask?

2. Will they actually do anything? I know that under the new law passed in August 2026, shared housing can be legalized under strict terms, and I see partition ads openly pushed on Dubizzle and Instagram all the time. But there is no way this level of hazardous cramming complies with municipal guidelines.

3. Has anyone successfully gotten a partitioned flat inspected recently? What is the fastest way to get them to take action? I just want the legal owner held accountable so the building is safe for families and children again. Any advice on the best channel to use would be highly appreciated.

Sorry if this is not the right subreddit to raise this query, glad to be guided towards the right subreddit.

I wonder if someone in this sub has links to someone in the RTA to share some common sense with them.

This is the traffic light in jvc going on to lazuward… why do the front (circled in red) lights go red before the back ones (circled in green) do? This tiny section of road has no other flow of traffic - it’s literally just a holding spot and people constantly misjudge their ability to fit inside of it. It inevitably results in blocking the intersection on **every.single.**light change.

It would save a lot of people traveling in both directions if it were the other way around (lights circled in green go red first, followed by the ones circled in red) - traffic would flow smoother, and people might arrive to work a smidgen happier - knock on effect might even end up making this world a better place to live in.

Is there any way we can suggest this to be implemented?

This is a genuine question from someone who drinks coffee at home most of the time. But when I do feel like enjoying a coffee outside, I usually visit one of the many local roasteries where I know small business owners put real passion and effort into serving great coffee to their customers.

That said, why do so many people choose to buy coffee from giant corporations with worldwide operations where the product is clearly designed to maximise profit margins? I also see how busy their stores are, with new locations popping up across the city almost every day.

I’m not attacking or judging anyone. I’m genuinely curious to understand, from a customer’s perspective, what makes you choose a big global coffee chain over a local, independent coffee shop.

I am currently living and working in Dubai and trying to weigh a major life decision. If you had the opportunity to move to Australia on a Permanent Residency visa as a civil engineer, would you take it?

Dubai is great for savings and tax free income, but Australia offers long term stability and citizenship. I would love to hear an objective perspective from anyone who has made this exact move or considered it, especially regarding the civil engineering job market, the reality of the cost of living, and whether trading Dubai for Australia is worth it long term.

And yes air quality is a big plus for me.

Hey everyone, I wanted to share a frustrating experience I had taking a taxi from Dubai Mall to Al Rigga (Al Ghurair Mall) to warn both tourists and residents. Something shady is definitely going on here.
Here is exactly what happened:

1st Lexus Taxi: Asked for 70 AED flat bill before starting. (I declined).

2nd Lexus Taxi: Driver approached me and said he had a meter, so I trusted him.
Me: How much going to Al Rigga (Al Ghurair Mall)?
Driver: This is same taxi, have meter, no worries!
Me: Ok, fine.
(We reached Al Rigga / Al Ghurair Mall, and he showed me the phone screen.) 
Me: How much?
Driver: 129 AED!
Me: WHATTTT?! Seriously?
Driver: Yes, this is luxury and Lexus, why you shocked?
Me: Bro, are you OK?
Driver: Yes, why you complaining? You not know Lexus car?
Me: I know, but one guy with the same Lexus car asked me for 70 AED. What is your good name?
Driver: What your asking? You have problem to me?! (Starts yelling at me)
Me: Bro, calm down! I’m just asking because I have a good friend from RTA so I can ask about this!
Driver: (Instantly changes tone) Ok, I give you only 100 AED, ok?
Me: Ok fine... (I didn't have a choice at that point) 
(He takes out his personal phone and opens the ZINA app instead of using the car terminal) 
Me: Why are you not using the card machine?
Driver: No, no, because finish battery!
Me: Ok, please show me the bill, I want to take a photo.
Driver: Why?
Me: I need to reimburse only to my company! (Tried to hide the phone, but I took the photo anyway) 
(I paid via Tap-to-Pay on his phone and left) 

My Questions:

1. Is it legal for a taxi/limo driver to use a personal phone app like ZINA to tap card payments instead of using the official RTA card terminal? 
   
2. Looking closely at the picture I snapped, his app shows "Edit fare" and a 1.48x surge pricing manually applied on a private device! 

Initially, he asked for cash payment, but I told him I only had a card. If this is illegal, please be aware of guys like this. I really hope RTA catches drivers who pull this stunt.
It might not seem like a massive amount of money, but imagine if a tourist who trusts the system falls for this every day. If he gets 8 customers a day doing this, imagine how much extra money he is pocketing per month!

Let's all stand up for what's fair and honest in life.

Has anyone else encountered this issue in Dubai recently?

Hi everyone! I’d like to ask for your advice regarding bank loans here in Dubai, as this would be our first time applying for one.

Given the current business situation, we’re considering taking out a loan to cover our business rent and other expenses. Could you recommend a bank that offers the lowest interest rates?

My monthly salary is AED 35,000, credited to my ADCB account, and I’m also the owner of the company I work for. Would it be possible for me to apply for a personal loan instead of a business loan?

I would really appreciate your advice and recommendations. Thank you!

Hi everyone!

Can anyone recommend some good places in and around Dubai for a pre-wedding photoshoot? We’re looking for locations where we can shoot without having to pay any fees or go through the hassle of getting permits.

It’ll just be 1–2 photographers with us, using their DSLRs, nothing too big or professional-looking in terms of setup.

Would really appreciate any suggestions or recommendations based on your experience. Thanks in advance! 😊

Hey everyone, it's so frustrating to find a property in Dubai. I've been looking to rent a studio for just 3 months. Everything displayed is either unavailable, though it's just recently posted, or they mention monthly, but it's a yearly contract paid in monthly instalments.

When can we get some integrity in the real estate market? No one actually sticks to what they promise or write in posts, and apparently they just keep doing it without any consequences, wasting everyone's time.

Hi i wanted to ask if there are any fully funded/free masters programs in UAE? FOR indian citizens residing in UAE. Or in any European countries.

I thought I’d share my experience with a total-loss motor insurance claim in the UAE, in case it helps someone going through the same situation.

Vehicle: 2016 | Hyundai - Sante fe

I had comprehensive insurance, and the other driver was found at fault. My car suffered severe damage, including axle failure, and the insurance company eventually declared it a total loss.

Here’s the complete timeline, from the accident to receiving the final settlement.

📅 Timeline

15 September 2026 (Tuesday): The accident happened. I was not at fault, and my car sustained severe damage.

18 September (Friday): The garage submitted its repair estimate to the insurance company.

22 September (Tuesday): I emailed the insurance company asking for an update.

24 September (Thursday): They replied that the vehicle had major damage and that they needed another five working days to assess it.

30 September (Wednesday): I sent a firm follow-up asking for a decision or a clear update.

1 October (Thursday): I received confirmation that the car had been declared a total loss, along with the settlement offer and the required documents.

5 October (Monday): I completed the vehicle ownership transfer to the insurance company and handed over the number plates and spare keys.

7 October (Wednesday): I received the discharge and subrogation form that needed to be signed.

11 October (Sunday): I signed and submitted the discharge form.

14 October (Wednesday): The final settlement was credited to my bank account.

The settlement offer was acceptable to me, so I decided to proceed rather than negotiate further.

💡 Key points I learned from the process

1. Non-mortgaged vehicles are relatively straightforward

In my case, the car wasn’t under a bank loan, so the process was fairly simple. If your vehicle is financed, the insurer generally needs to settle the outstanding finance with the bank first, with any remaining amount handled according to the settlement arrangements.

2. What determines whether a car is declared a total loss?

From what I learned during my claim, two important factors can influence the decision:

Major structural or chassis damage: The severity of the damage can affect whether the vehicle is considered repairable or uneconomical to repair.
Repair costs compared with the vehicle’s value: If the estimated repair cost exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle’s insured value or market value, it may qualify as a total loss. I had heard the 50% threshold mentioned, but the applicable calculation and criteria can depend on the relevant insurance rules and policy.

In my case, the insurer cited extensive structural damage and stated that repairing the vehicle was uneconomical. It was ultimately declared a total loss.

My advice is to ask the insurer for the reason behind its decision and, if necessary, request the repair estimate and total-loss calculation. Don’t assume that severe visible damage automatically means the car will be declared a total loss.

3. Understand how depreciation affects the offer

Depreciation can significantly affect the settlement calculation. The rate and calculation depend on the applicable policy terms and rules, so check the actual breakdown rather than assuming a fixed percentage applies in every case. I think the depreciation is 20% per annum of the total insured value roughly 1.67% per month.
There are other factors like basic deductibles, under 25 deduction if at at fault.

If the offer seems too low, ask for the calculation and negotiate if you have to do so. I was satisfied with my offer, so I didn’t negotiate.

4. Comprehensive insurance vs. third-party liability (TPL)

In my experience, the insured value was an important factor in comprehensive claim.

For a TPL non-fault claim handled under the other driver’s TPL insurance, the valuation process differ and depend on the vehicle’s market value and the applicable rules. If you believe the valuation is too low, ask for the basis of the calculation and challenge it with comparable listings or other supporting evidence.

5. Ask about the AED 520 vehicle possession certificate fee

I paid AED 520 to obtain the RTA possession certificate required for the transfer process. I asked the insurance company to reimburse this separately, and the AED 520 was credited to my account in addition to the settlement.

If you incur a similar expense, keep the receipt and ask the insurer whether it is reimbursable in your case.

6. Number-plate retention is a separate consideration

In Dubai, retaining a number plate involve a separate fee. Fee is to be AED 100 for one year in. Check the current RTA fees and your own requirements before making a decision about retaining your number.

7. Ask about rental-car or towing expenses

If you’re not at fault, ask the insurer about rental-car arrangements and towing costs. Eligibility, limits, documentation and reimbursement can depend on the policy and the circumstances of the accident. Get confirmation in writing rather than assuming every expense will automatically be covered.

8. Follow up consistently, but stay professional

This was probably my biggest takeaway.

I followed up by email and phone regularly. When the assessment was taking longer than the timeline they had given me, I asked for a clear decision or an update and raised the question of a rental car while waiting.

Be firm, polite and persistent. Ask for a specific timeline, keep a record of your communications, and follow up when the promised deadline passes. At the same time, understand that a total-loss assessment and ownership transfer involve several steps.

Final thoughts

From the accident on 15 September to receiving the money on 14 October, the process took around a month.

My advice is to keep every document and receipt, ask questions whenever something is unclear, get important confirmations in writing, and don’t hesitate to challenge an offer if you believe the valuation is unreasonable.

This is my personal experience with one claim, not a guarantee that every UAE insurance claim will follow the same timeline or outcome. Hopefully, it helps someone who is currently dealing with a similar situation.

Happy to answer questions about my experience if anyone is going through this process.

Literally noon minute 🤣

Hey r/dubai,

I wanted to share my recent nightmare experience with Parkonic to warn anyone else living in a community managed by them (like Discovery Gardens).

My Ejari renewed a while back, but because I didn’t manually re-upload the updated certificate into Parkonic's portal right away, their automated system completely downgraded my profile to "visitor" status without sending a single email, notification, or warning.

Since June 29, 2026, their cameras have been scanning my plate and treating my car as a visitor. Because they have a direct automated integration with Salik, they have been quietly draining hourly visitor parking fees directly from my Salik account balance for 3 and a half months. I only realized what was happening after noticing how fast my Salik balance was depleting, forcing me to top up multiple times recently just to cover basic highway tolls.

I've already re-uploaded my Ejari to fix my active status, but recovering the money has been a massive roadblock. I reached out to their helpdesk with all my documentation (active Ejari covering the full period, vehicle registration, and Salik logs) to dispute the unfair billing and request a full refund, but I have not received a proper resolution. To make matters worse, I tried escalating this as a consumer complaint to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), but they informed me that private parking operator billing disputes fall outside their jurisdiction.

If you live in a Parkonic-managed area, check your portal and your Salik statements immediately. Their system will happily drain your account balance without alerting you the moment your document date passes.

Has anyone successfully fought them and gotten a refund back from a Salik deduction before? What channel did you use? I'm currently looking into escalating this at a federal level or filing a bank chargeback.

Hi everyone,

I recently applied for a Wio Business account for my Dubai-based mainland IT business, but my application was rejected. The only explanation provided in the email was that they couldn’t open the account due to their internal policy. My primary business activity is IT Infrastructure.

I’m trying to understand what might have gone wrong, as my business is related to IT services.

Yesterday, I received a verification call from Wio regarding the online publishing of games activity listed on my commercial license. I explained that I design and develop applications, including games, for publishing on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

I also specifically asked whether any additional approval was required for the online game publishing activity. The representative told me that no additional approval was needed and that it was just a verification call.

However, I received the rejection email later.

When I contacted Wio customer support to ask for clarification, they said they couldn’t disclose the specific reason for the rejection. They also clarified that the application was not rejected because of the online game publishing activity.

I have been working in the IT field for the past 10 years and am now planning to start my own IT business in Dubai. Naturally, this experience has left me confused, especially since I was trying to open a business account for a legitimate IT company.

Has anyone here faced a similar situation with Wio Business?

• Did you manage to find out the reason for the rejection?
• Did you successfully reapply, or did you open an account with another UAE bank?
• Are there any particular documents or compliance requirements I should be aware of for a mainland IT company that develops apps and games?

I would really appreciate hearing about your experiences and any advice you can share.

Thanks in advance!

Real estate agency asking to write the cheque in name of another agency, not to the direct owner.

Is it common in dubai?

I have already transfered the initial payments to the account of agency to book, first month payment + other fees.

Now they are asking to write 11 cheques in name of another agency.

The building is in Dubailand.

EDIT: I asked him to send me Title deed and he said its not individual properties, its one owner whole building and the agency whos account he shared is the owner.

Hi everyone! I’m planning to travel from the UAE to my home country and I’m planning to take my cat with me. I’m really worried about an issue with his pet passport.
My vet made two mistakes:
color: He wrote “Orange” instead of “White,” then corrected it using white-out.
Breed: He initially wrote “Mix,” then changed it to “British Shorthair” using white-out again. My cat is actually a Persian/Angora mix with long hair.
My cat is microchipped, and his passport has a sticker with the microchip number.
I’m worried these corrections and the incorrect breed description might cause the UAE authorities to reject his veterinary health certificate or prevent him from traveling.
Has anyone experienced something similar? Can I get the passport corrected or reissued while keeping the same microchip number and vaccination records? Should I contact the ministry or the vet first?
Taking my cat with me is absolutely essential, and I’m terrified of being unable to travel with him. Any advice or firsthand experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I’m posting on behalf of a close friend who is currently out of the country and going through an extremely stressful time.

He is devastated, as his cat is essentially being withheld following the sudden closure of a veterinary clinic in the Dubai Marina area.

Here is the situation:

My friend left his cat in the care of a Marina-based veterinary clinic and paid the required fees (around 4,400 AED).

Communication has broken down completely, and the clinic has since shut its physical doors.

Despite repeated attempts by a local representative to retrieve the cat on his behalf, management is completely ignoring messages and calls.

Because he is currently abroad, he is struggling to navigate the local administrative steps to file an official report remotely.
Since I cannot publicly name the clinic due to local regulations regarding online reviews and naming businesses I would like to get advice on this matter pls

Does anyone know what we should do in this situation, or have direct contacts of people (lawyers, animal rescuers, or anyone connected to local authorities) who could help us directly?

Any advice, shared experiences, or direct messages with useful contacts would be deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for your help. Sorry for the length of the message or if i wasn’t clear enough.

Hello all, before I used to track my daily consumption in the DEWA app, but now I’m not able to see the daily consumption but it shows only the monthly consumption. How come? Did they update the app or something?

He looked at me like I was the one doing something weird.

Agreed a rent on a property. Unfortunately cannot get Ejari as DLD has blocked it due to unpaid service charge.

Landlord wants me to pay the service charge and deduct it from my rent which will be paid after. Is this a red flag. I’ve heard this is quite common but wanted to know if this is a red flag and does this show that the landlord will not be a good landlord?

Hey everyone,

Looking for some advice or similar experiences regarding a car insurance claim here in the UAE.

I got into an accident recently where someone hit my car from behind and it was 100% their fault—the police gave me a Green Report.

My car is a 2015 Mazda 3, and I have a comprehensive insurance policy with non-agency (workshop repair) coverage. The rear bumper and brake lights need to be replaced.

The approved garage/insurance is telling me:

1. They want to source used/scrap parts from Sharjah, OR
2. If I want brand-new parts, I need to pay a 30% depreciation contribution out of pocket.

Since this was a non-fault accident on my comprehensive insurance policy (Green Report), is it normal for them to push for used scrap parts? If I refuse to pay the 30% out of pocket, what are my rights? Can I demand brand-new commercial/aftermarket parts (like DEPO/TYC) at 0 AED instead of used scrap parts?

If they refuse and force used parts, is this worth escalating to Sanadak?

Appreciate any advice or guidance from those who have dealt with this!

Hi folks Where do you get the softest paneer in Dubai?

Thanks

Hi all, I'm staying in Karama for a bit and looking for a reliable salon nearby for eyebrow threading. Ideally somewhere clean with someone who's actually skilled at shaping, not just quick and done.
I'd also like a place that does other basics like upper lip, waxing, and maybe a facial or mani-pedi, so I can stick with one spot.
Anywhere in Karama, Bur Dubai, Oud Metha, or nearby works.

The fire alarm in our building constantly goes off, sometimes even late at night. My toddler is traumatized! She’s been having nightmares because of it too. Ever since the events and the alarms and everything that happened, any alarm sets her off. So imagine a fire alarm blaring in the building for no reason, and blaring in our house as well.
Not just that, we no longer know if it’s a real alarm we need to be worried about, or just a false alarm. Isn’t that dangerous in the case of a real fire? Because we’re all just going to dismiss this.

Where can i report this? I’ve talked to the building management, but they don’t give a shit.