Dubai Police have issued a public warning over the growing misuse of artificial intelligence to forge official and unofficial documents, a trend authorities say is increasingly being exploited to commit financial fraud and circumvent the law.

The alert was issued by the Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, which urged institutions, companies and members of the public to remain vigilant and to carefully verify documents received through email or social media, according to a Dubai Police Media report.

As part of Dubai Police’s ongoing #BewareofFraud campaign, the Anti-Fraud Centre stressed the need for heightened digital awareness across all segments of society. Fraudsters, the centre said, are taking advantage of rapid technological advances, including artificial intelligence tools, to generate forged documents that can appear professionally written and well formatted at first glance.

Read more-Job seekers beware: Dubai Police warn of work visa scams

Despite their polished appearance, forged documents often contain red flags that specialists can identify. These include inaccurate or inconsistent information, language that does not align with approved official templates, and the use of fake signatures or stamps.

Dubai Police cautioned the public against relying solely on how authentic a document appears. Proper verification should involve checking the source, reviewing digital file details such as creation and modification dates, and confirming the existence of official reference numbers that can be traced through legitimate channels.

Legal consequences and reporting channels

The Anti-Fraud Centre underscored that using artificial intelligence to forge documents is a criminal offence punishable under UAE law. It added that strong digital awareness among the public continues to serve as the first line of defence against fraud and related financial crimes.

Dubai Police urged anyone who suspects a fraud attempt to report it immediately through the Dubai Police smart app, by calling 901, or through the eCrime platform dedicated to reporting cybercrimes.

Authorities also highlighted the strict penalties imposed under UAE law for document forgery, whether official or unofficial. Article 252 of Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021 on Crimes and Penalties states that forging an official document carries a temporary prison sentence of up to 10 years, while forging an unofficial document is punishable by imprisonment.

Article 253 further stipulates that anyone who forges a copy of an official document and uses it, or knowingly uses a forged copy, faces temporary imprisonment of up to five years. If the forged copy relates to an unofficial document, the penalty is imprisonment.

With respect to electronic documents, Article 14 of Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes provides that forging an electronic document belonging to a federal or local government entity, or a public authority or institution, is punishable by temporary imprisonment and a fine ranging from Dhs150,000 to Dhs750,000.

If the forgery involves electronic documents issued by entities other than those specified, the penalty is imprisonment and a fine ranging from Dhs100,000 to Dhs300,000, or either penalty. The same penalties apply to anyone who knowingly uses a forged electronic document. Digital awareness remains essential protection.

The UAE has recorded the strongest long-term rise of any country on the Henley Passport Index, climbing an unprecedented 57 places over the past two decades to rank 5th globally in 2026, marking one of the most significant mobility success stories in modern international relations.

According to the latest Henley Passport Index, which marks its 20th anniversary this year and is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), UAE passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations worldwide. This represents an exceptional increase of 149 destinations since 2006, the largest gain recorded by any country in the index’s history, a WAM report said.

Read more-UAE introduces new passport rule: read details

The UAE’s ascent reflects a sustained and deliberate strategy that has positioned passport strength as a tool of economic participation, diplomatic engagement, and global influence. Over two decades, the country has consistently strengthened its passport power through long-term political stability, proactive diplomacy, strategic visa policy, and the expansion of bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

Long-term strategy delivers tangible mobility gains

“The UAE’s rise on the Henley Passport Index is without parallel,” said Dr Christian H Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index. “It demonstrates how long-term vision, political stability, and proactive diplomacy can translate directly into tangible mobility benefits for citizens, and increasing soft power for the country.”

The UAE now ranks ahead of traditionally strong passports including New Zealand (6th), the UK and Australia (both 7th), Canada (8th), and the USA (10th). This positioning underscores the country’s emergence as a global leader in cultivating constructive international relationships across regions, reflected directly in the breadth of visa-free access granted to its citizens.

Commenting on the ranking, Omar Obaid Al Shamsi, under-secretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the milestone as the outcome of sustained diplomatic effort and strategic openness.

“The record-breaking ascent of the UAE passport reflects our leadership’s forward-looking vision and unwavering commitment to openness, dialogue, and global cooperation,” Al Shamsi said. “This achievement is the result of the tireless efforts of UAE diplomacy to establish strategic partnerships that elevate the nation’s standing on the international stage.”

He added that expanded travel freedom delivers both individual and systemic benefits. “By expanding travel freedom, the UAE ensures that our citizens enjoy ever-greater opportunities across the world, while simultaneously fostering global growth and collaboration. The UAE’s journey stands as an inspiring example of how vision, engagement, and openness can translate into tangible benefits for both citizens and the wider international community.”

Passport power as an economic enabler

As international travel demand continues to rise, passport strength is increasingly viewed as a critical enabler of economic participation, trade, tourism, and labor mobility. IATA forecasts that airlines will carry more than 5.2 billion passengers worldwide in 2026, highlighting the scale at which global mobility now operates.

“A record number of people are expected to travel in 2026. The unequivocal economic and social benefits generated by this travel grow as it becomes more accessible,” said Willie Walsh, director-general of IATA. “As many governments look to more tightly secure their borders, technological advances such as digital ID and digital passports should not be overlooked by policymakers. Convenient travel and secure borders are possible.”

Henley & Partners’ exclusive research into the predictors of passport strength highlights several structural drivers behind sustained gains, including reciprocity in visa policies, proactive foreign relations, economic status, and tourism-led openness. Countries that actively negotiate visa waivers and build cooperative ties tend to expand travel freedom for their citizens over time.

The research further shows that political and economic stability, combined with a high degree of openness to foreign visitors and residents, correlates strongly with long-term improvements in passport power, a dynamic that the UAE exemplifies.

“Passport strength is not accidental, it is built by a clear vision and policy,” Dr Kaelin said. “Our research shows that countries which invest in diplomatic credibility, reciprocal openness, and international cooperation are rewarded with greater mobility for their citizens.”

He noted that nations such as the UAE have embedded mobility into broader economic diversification strategies. “Through their steady and clear leadership, they have prioritised tourism, trade, and global engagement, helping drive successive improvements in visa-free access. The UAE exemplifies how a long-term, strategic approach to global engagement translates directly into passport power.”

Global mobility gains mask deepening imbalances

While global mobility has expanded overall, the distribution of travel freedom remains uneven, according to a Henley Global newsroom report. The divergence between outbound mobility and inbound openness is becoming increasingly pronounced among major economies.

US passport holders can travel visa-free to 179 destinations, yet the United States itself allows only 46 nationalities to enter without a prior visa. This places the USA 78th out of 199 countries and territories worldwide on the Henley Openness Index. The gap between outbound privilege and inbound openness is among the widest globally, second only to Australia and marginally ahead of Canada, New Zealand, and Japan.

By contrast, China has moved rapidly in the opposite direction. Over the past two years alone, China has granted visa-free access to more than 40 additional countries. Now ranked 62nd on the Openness Index, China permits entry to 77 different nationalities, 31 more than the US.

“Over the past 20 years, global mobility has expanded significantly, but the benefits have been distributed unevenly,” said Dr Kaelin. “Today, passport privilege plays a decisive role in shaping opportunity, security, and economic participation, with rising average access masking a reality in which mobility advantages are increasingly concentrated among the world’s most economically powerful and politically stable nations.”

This imbalance is intensifying even as international travel demand continues to grow. While more people have the economic means to travel, border restrictions and uneven visa policies increasingly determine who can participate fully in global movement.

“A record number of people are expected to travel in 2026,” IATA’s Walsh said. “But while more people have the economic freedom to travel, many nationalities are seeing that a passport alone is no longer sufficient to cross borders.”

As governments balance security concerns with economic imperatives, the role of policy coordination, digital innovation, and diplomatic engagement is expected to become more central to shaping future mobility outcomes.

The US urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately, and advised them to consider departing by land to Turkey or Armenia, according to a notice released on Tuesday by the US virtual embassy in Tehran.

“US citizens should leave Iran now. Consider departing Iran by land to Türkiye or Armenia, if safe to do so,” the notice said.

Iran is currently seeing its biggest anti-government demonstrations in years as the administration of President Donald Trump weighs how to respond to the situation in the Middle Eastern nation.

Read: Dozens of flights to Iran cancelled by UAE, Qatar and Turkish airlines

As the UAE steps into 2026, sweeping reforms across labor, legal, environmental, and educational sectors are set to reshape the business and social landscape.

From wage adjustments for Emirati workers to legal changes empowering youth, new tax regimes for sugary drinks, and stricter environmental regulations, the nation is reinforcing its position as a forward-looking hub for business, sustainability, and social development.

Here’s a closer look at six major policy changes that businesses, educators, and citizens need to know.

Read more-UAE introduces new visa categories in sweeping 2025 reforms

1-Minimum wage for Emiratis in private sector raised to Dhs6,000

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced a substantial boost in the minimum wage for Emiratis employed in the private sector. Starting January 1, 2026, the new threshold will be Dhs6,000 per month.

The updated regulation applies not only to all new citizen work permits but also to existing permits that are renewed or amended from the start of the year. Companies employing Emiratis before January 1 will need to adjust salaries to meet the new standard by June 30, 2026, giving businesses a six-month window for compliance.

This move underscores the UAE government’s commitment to supporting its workforce while enhancing economic stability.

2-Legal adulthood now 18 to empower youth participation

In a move aimed at modernising its legal system and encouraging youth engagement in the economy, the UAE has lowered the legal age of adulthood to 18 years.

The change is part of a newly issued Federal Decree Law establishing the Civil Transactions Law, which creates a comprehensive framework for civil rights, obligations, and transactions nationwide. According to state news agency WAM, this landmark reform is designed to align civil capacity with economic realities and facilitate greater involvement of young citizens in business and society.

3-Single-use plastic ban expands from January

As part of its broader sustainability agenda, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) will expand the ban on single-use plastics across the UAE, effective January 1, 2026.

The new restrictions, introduced under the second phase of Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022, cover consumer plastic products and bags. The policy aligns with the UAE’s goals to protect ecosystems, reduce environmental waste, and promote a sustainable lifestyle, sending a clear message to businesses and consumers to adopt greener practices.

4-Public schools adjust Friday timings

To better align with religious practices, the UAE’s Ministry of Education has revised Friday school hours for public schools, effective January 9, 2026.

Following nationwide adjustments to Friday prayer times, the Friday sermon and prayer will now begin at 12:45 pm. This shift ensures that students and staff can observe religious obligations without disrupting the academic schedule, reflecting the government’s effort to balance education and cultural commitments.

5-Tiered excise tax introduced for sweetened drinks

In a bid to curb sugar consumption and encourage healthier choices, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has implemented a tiered excise tax on sweetened beverages, effective January 1, 2026.

The new tax mechanism is volumetric and links the excise tax directly to the sugar and sweetener content per 100 millilitres of a drink. This approach replaces a flat tax system and encourages beverage producers to reduce sugar content, creating opportunities for innovation while contributing to public health objectives.

6-Updated age cut-off for KG and Grade 1 admissions

Education policy is also being updated. From the 2026–2027 academic year, the UAE will shift the age cut-off for kindergarten and Grade 1 admissions to December 31 of the admission year, replacing the previous August 31 cut-off.

This change applies to all schools and kindergartens whose academic year begins in August or September. Authorities say the update will streamline school entry policies and better align early education with developmental readiness.

With these six major policy shifts, the UAE is clearly signaling its intent to foster a modern, sustainable, and economically inclusive environment. From labor reforms and tax policy innovations to environmental protections and educational updates, businesses and citizens alike must stay informed to capitalise on opportunities and comply with new regulations. 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for the nation.

Dubai’s Global Village is entering the final stretch of its landmark season, with organisers confirming that Season 30 will officially close on May 10. Season 31 will open later this year.

Before the curtain comes down, January has been positioned as one of the most content-rich months on the calendar, combining headline concerts, family-first programming and cultural celebrations.

As the region’s most visited multicultural destination, Global Village has spent nearly three decades refining a simple idea: bring the world together in one place, then keep it moving. January shows exactly how that formula still works.

Live music anchors the month’s programming, starting with a headline concert by Yemeni artist Hussein Moheb, who performed on the Main Stage on January 10 at 8pm. Known for hits including Ensa and Sayed Al Ahbab, the performance drew large crowds.

International acts at Global Village

International acts are also in play. Until February 1, the Red Hot Chili Pipers bring their high-energy mix of bagpipes, rock, and pop to the Main Stage, performing twice daily except Tuesdays.

Later in the month, the Girl Power tribute show on January 25 celebrates iconic female performers, spanning Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, the Spice Girls, and Little Mix, blending live vocals with choreography aimed at multi-generational audiences.

January is equally stacked for families. Baby Shark Live runs daily from January 9 to 31 across the Main Stage and Kids’ Theatre, while the Wonderers Kids’ Fest launched on January 9 and runs through February 15.

With interactive shows and activities from 4pm to 10pm, the festival has been timed to take advantage of cooler weather and school-friendly hours.

Cultural programming remains at the heart of the destination.

From January 29 to February 5, the Kuwait Pavilion will host National Day celebrations, featuring themed performances, traditional calligraphy, Arabic coffee, and daily shows by AlSheyyab Band.

Fireworks, drone displays and rides

Fireworks light up the skyline every Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday at 9pm, with an additional drone and fireworks display scheduled for January 31 to mark Kuwait National Day.

All of this unfolds against the scale that has come to define Global Village. Season 30 features 30 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, over 3,500 retail outlets, and more than 250 dining destinations.

Across the season, 450 performers are delivering more than 40,500 shows, while Carnaval continues to offer over 200 rides and games.

Since opening in 1997, the destination has welcomed more than 100 million guests, with Season 29 alone setting a record of 10.5 million visitors.