As schools across the UAE prepare to reopen after the summer break, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has declared August 25, 2025, as “A Day Without Accidents.” This annual initiative coincides with the start of the new academic year — a period that traditionally sees a sharp rise in road traffic as families return from vacation.

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The campaign, launched in coordination with police departments nationwide, aims to promote safe driving habits and reduce road accidents on one of the busiest days on UAE roads. The announcement was made on the Ministry’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.

In a move to encourage compliance, the ministry has introduced a special incentive: motorists who pledge to drive safely on August 25 and successfully avoid traffic violations on that day will receive a deduction of four black points from their driving licence.

To be eligible, drivers must visit the official MOI website and submit a pledge form before the day. If no violations are recorded, the black point deduction will be processed automatically by September 15, with no need to visit service centres. This streamlined, fully digital reward system reinforces the ministry’s commitment to both safety and convenience.

AI surveillance and penalties in Dubai

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Dubai Police provided a comprehensive update on traffic violations captured by AI-enabled smart radars and technical surveillance systems. The announcement was made in March 2025 by the General Department of Traffic, highlighting the rising role of AI in enforcing road laws, a WAM report said.

The violations carry heavy penalties, both financial and in black points, for reckless or careless driving. For example:

• Exceeding the speed limit by more than 80 km/h incurs a fine of Dhs3,000, 60-day vehicle impoundment, and 23 black points.

• Exceeding by over 60 km/h results in a Dhs2,000 fine, 20-day impoundment, and 12 black points.

• Lower levels of speeding incur smaller fines:

  1. Over 50 km/hr: Dhs1,000

  2. Over 40 km/hr: Dhs700

  3. Over 30 km/hr: Dhs600

  4. Over 20 km/hr: Dhs300

Violations that cost you more than money

In addition to speeding, Dubai Police listed numerous other offences being closely monitored:

• Running a red light: Dhs1,000, 30-day impoundment, 12 black points

• Driving against traffic: Dhs600, 7-day impoundment, 4 black points

• Using a mobile while driving: Dhs800, 4 black points

• Not wearing a seatbelt: Dhs400, 4 black points

• Failing to give way to pedestrians: Dhs500, 6 black points

• Illegal window tinting: Dhs1,500

• Improper lane usage:

  • Light vehicles: Dhs400

  • Heavy vehicles: Dhs1,500, 12 black points

• Unsafe vehicle stopping: Dhs1,000, 6 black points

• Not maintaining safe distance: Dhs400, 4 black points

• Excessive noise: Dhs2,000, 12 black points

• Turning in non-designated areas: Dhs500, 4 black points

• Driving with an expired licence: Dhs500, 4 black points

• Heavy vehicles entering restricted zones: Dhs1,000, 4 black points

• Blocking other vehicles: Dhs500

These figures underline the UAE’s zero-tolerance stance on dangerous driving and the increasing reliance on technology to keep roads safe.

Call to action for motorists

With the academic year restarting, roads will see an influx of parents, school buses, and commuters. The Ministry’s message is clear: be vigilant, be responsible, and make a conscious effort to avoid accidents, not just to stay penalty-free, but to protect lives.

Participating in “A Day Without Accidents” offers motorists more than just point deductions. It’s a symbolic commitment to safer roads, responsible driving, and community well-being. By aligning the campaign with back-to-school season, authorities hope to build long-term driving discipline starting with one important day.

In today’s era of hybrid work, going on holiday no longer means disconnecting from the office entirely. Thanks to widespread connectivity—available at airports, train stations, hotels, restaurants, and most public indoor spaces—many professionals blend work and leisure, accessing free Wi-Fi or reliable 4G/5G coverage from virtually anywhere.

However, this constant connectivity has also caught the attention of cybercriminals. Ahead of the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, Kaspersky experts analysed nearly 25,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots in Paris, finding that almost 25 per cent had weak or no encryption—putting travellers at risk of personal and financial data theft.

The unfamiliarity of new surroundings and potential language barriers can create ideal conditions for cyberattacks, meaning business travellers must take extra precautions when logging on. Kaspersky outlines three essential tools and practices for staying secure while working on the move:

1. Use a VPN for secure connections
A VPN encrypts internet traffic, preventing hackers from intercepting sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. This is critical when accessing work emails or corporate files on public Wi-Fi.

2. Switch to an eSIM for secure mobile data
An eSIM enables travellers to access local mobile networks without a physical SIM card, helping avoid roaming fees and reducing reliance on unsecured Wi-Fi. With an eSIM, data plans can be downloaded in advance, ensuring instant connectivity upon arrival. Services like the Kaspersky eSIM Store allow users to purchase, activate, track, and top up data plans through a single app.

3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
2FA adds an extra layer of protection for critical accounts, particularly important when devices may be left unattended during travel.

Kaspersky further advises travellers to combine these measures with robust, real-time cybersecurity solutions. Comprehensive tools such as Kaspersky Premium integrate antivirus protection, VPN, and password management in one platform, helping defend against malware, phishing, and ransomware.

Read: New Kaspersky module targets voice phishing

By combining a VPN, eSIM, 2FA, and advanced antivirus software, professionals can work securely from anywhere—whether emailing from a poolside or joining a meeting from a festival venue.

MENA entertainment provider OSN has partnered with US-based advertising technology firm The Trade Desk to open the broadcaster’s programmatic video inventory to advertisers, the companies said.

The deal makes The Trade Desk the first demand-side platform (DSP) to give brands direct access to OSNtv’s connected television and addressable video-on-demand inventory, covering Arabic and international content including HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery titles and OSN original productions.

“At OSN, we’re committed to innovation that enhances the advertising experience while maintaining the highest standards for our viewers,” Hamid Davari, OSN’s director of advertising, said in a statement.

“Partnering with The Trade Desk on our Advanced TV products allows us to open our premium inventory to brands in a way that is transparent, data-rich, and performance-focused,” he added.

OSN, The Trade Desk aim to empower advertisers to make smarter, more data-driven decisions

Terry Kane, The Trade Desk’s MENA managing director, said connected TV was one of the most powerful digital advertising channels. “This partnership with OSN underscores our commitment to unlocking the region’s premium inventory and empowering advertisers to make smarter, more data-driven decisions at scale,” he said.

OSN said advertisers using The Trade Desk’s platform will be able to target engaged viewers in brand-safe environments and measure campaign performance more precisely.

The Dubai-based broadcaster, which operates in 22 countries, was the first in the region to introduce an on-demand video service and holds exclusive rights to HBO programming in MENA.

It said the partnership combines its content library and direct-to-home viewer base with The Trade Desk’s buying tools to expand access to the region’s premium streaming audience.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced that Red Sea International Airport (RSI) – operated by daa International – is now receiving both domestic and international flights, marking a significant step forward in its phased operations.

Domestic services have transitioned to the airport’s Main Terminal Building at Terminals 3 and 4, offering travellers an upgraded and seamless experience. International arrivals and seaplanes will continue to operate through the dedicated Air Taxi Terminal, ensuring smooth connectivity for visitors from around the world.

Every arrival into RSI brings guests closer to the natural beauty and distinctive experiences of The Red Sea. Whether visiting for leisure, adventure, or business, travellers can expect a journey that reflects the destination’s focus on innovation and hospitality.

Located 90 km south of Al Wajh on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, RSI is positioned within three hours’ flying time for 250 million people and within eight hours for 85 per cent of the global population. More than a transport hub, RSI is designed to embody the vision of The Red Sea destination, offering a world-class passenger experience inspired by desert, oasis, and sea.

With its main terminal set to be fully operational by the end of the year and more flight connections planned, RSI is preparing to become a gateway to one of the world’s most unique tourism destinations, with a target to serve one million guests annually by 2030.

Škoda Auto has reported a strong financial and sales performance for the first half of 2025, delivering 509,400 vehicles globally — a year-on-year increase of 13.6 per cent. The company’s robust sales translated into solid financial results, with revenue rising to €15.07bn (up 10.4 per cent), operating profit reaching €1.285bn (up 11.8 per cent), and net cash flow at €1.453bn (up 3.2 per cent).

In the Middle East, Škoda made strategic moves during the first half of 2025, officially entering the Oman market in February, restarting operations in Qatar in April, and signing an agreement to expand into Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest automotive market. In June, the brand also opened two new showrooms in the UAE, strengthening its commitment to accessibility and enhancing the retail customer experience.

The regional line-up continues to be led by the 7-seater Kodiaq and the value-focused Kushaq, now joined by the newly launched Octavia RS, which blends performance and functionality.

“Škoda Auto is thriving, delivering solid financial results for the first half of 2025 despite significant challenges across our industry. Once again, we have achieved growth across our core KPIs and demonstrated that we are one of the most profitable automotive brands in the volume segment. These fantastic results are a testament to a resilient business model. It is notable that our success in the first six months has been spread across powertrains, confirming we are on the right course by offering freedom of choice in this era of transition. We go into the second half of the year in peak form while always remaining focused and vigilant,” said Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto.

“We’re proud to see Škoda Auto’s global performance reflected in our momentum across the GCC,” said Lukas Honzak, managing director at Škoda Middle East. “From entering high-potential markets to expanding our retail footprint in the region, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term growth. Customers in the region continue to respond strongly to our versatile line-up, which offers quality, inventiveness and great value for money. We aim to bring Škoda’s advanced European automotive technology and exceptional customer service even closer customers in the Middle East.”

Read: Dubai to build world’s largest and most advanced car market

The latest regional launches for 2025 — the all-new 7-seater Kodiaq and the upgraded Octavia RS — have been well received. The Kodiaq recorded strong sales of 905 units in H1 2025, compared to 669 in the same period of 2024, reinforcing its position as a family favourite for its comfort, space, and safety features. The iconic Octavia, introduced in May, was also met with strong demand for its balance of performance and practicality.

The Kushaq, Škoda’s second best-selling model in the Middle East, continues to attract cost-conscious drivers looking for a safe, efficient, and stylish drive — a segment gaining momentum in the region.

As Škoda Auto marks its 130th anniversary, the brand continues to merge its heritage with modern innovation, creating a strong platform for sustained growth in Europe and the Middle East.