logo
UAE: Police forces launch summer youth programmes

UAE: Police forces launch summer youth programmes

Khaleej Times5 days ago
In a continued effort to engage and empower the nation's youth, both Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah Police have launched their flagship summer programmes each tailored to instill values of discipline, patriotism, and responsibility in young Emiratis.
In Ajman, the Police General Headquarters inaugurated the 26th edition of the 'Future Police' summer programme for boys and the 8th edition for girls. This year, the programme welcomed 315 Emirati students between the ages of 12 and 17, including 79 participants from the Masfout and Manama regions. Held under the patronage of Brigadier-General Sultan Khalifa Al Muhairi, Director General of Resources and Support Services, the programme aligns with the UAE's 'Year of Community' and emphasises inclusive participation, welcoming students of determination and orphans with the support of the Social Support Centre.
Brig-Gen. Al Muhairi underscored that the 'Future Police' initiative is one of Ajman Police's most impactful annual programmes, aiming to build a generation grounded in national values, civic duty, and self-confidence. The programme includes a comprehensive schedule of military training, weapons handling, physical fitness, and self-defence, as well as emergency preparedness and road safety workshops. A rich cultural and religious curriculum further supports the development of balanced, conscientious young citizens. Lt-Col. Mohammed Rashid Al Jarwan Al Shamsi, Head of the Police Training Centre, affirmed that qualified professionals deliver all activities to ensure both rigor and safety.
Meanwhile, in Ras Al Khaimah, the third edition of the 'Police Friends' summer programme was launched at the Zayed Educational Complex in Awafi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Led by Brigadier General Jamal Ahmed Al Tair, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Ras Al Khaimah Police, the initiative welcomed 150 students from the local community. The opening ceremony was attended by senior officers and Hayat Al Shehhi, Director of the Zayed Educational Complex–Awafi.
Brig-Gen Al Tair toured the various programme facilities including a taekwondo hall, military and physical training gym, football field, swimming pool, library, and lecture halls emphasising the importance of providing youth with an environment that fosters discipline and ambition. He also announced plans for educational field trips, including a visit to the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), aimed at sparking students' interest in space exploration and innovation through satellite technologies.
He stated that 'Police Friends' is designed to build character through a blend of sports, security education, cultural enrichment, and recreational activities. The programme encourages students to make productive use of their summer break by developing useful life skills, understanding police and military culture, and nurturing a strong sense of national loyalty and security awareness.
Both programmes, while distinct in structure and location, reflect the unified vision of UAE police forces to invest in youth as the foundation of a secure and progressive society. By equipping the next generation with the tools to lead, serve, and protect, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah Police are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How a Dubai resident lost Dh700,000 in a gold mining scam
How a Dubai resident lost Dh700,000 in a gold mining scam

The National

time2 hours ago

  • The National

How a Dubai resident lost Dh700,000 in a gold mining scam

Mehdi Asgari, an Iranian living in Dubai, was invited to join an online investment platform for gold mining introduced as Missoma through WhatsApp in January. When he signed up, he was told to complete small orders in the form of mining tasks. He initially deposited Dh5,000 ($1,360) to complete 'simple daily tasks' such as clicking on mining or trading buttons. After each task, the platform would show small 'profits' being added to his account balance. These numbers were used to encourage him to deposit larger amounts over time. Mr Asgari, 45, was repeatedly asked to deposit more money to unlock additional features, which never materialised. Cumulatively, he transferred Dh703,000 to numerous bank accounts in the UAE. 'I did not engage in any actual mining. The so-called mining was merely a term used by the fraudsters to describe a process where I was required to deposit additional funds in order to unlock or 'process' previous earnings or commissions on the Missoma platform,' says Mr Asgari, who works in analytical chemistry in Dubai. 'The 'earnings' or 'commissions' displayed on the platform were not based on any actual trading activity or product sales. Instead, they were fabricated numbers shown in my account dashboard to give the illusion that I was profiting. 'This was part of their manipulation tactic to make it seem like the platform was generating profits. In reality, it was just a way to pressure victims like myself to deposit more money under false pretences.' Eventually, when Mr Asgari attempted to withdraw his funds, they claimed he had to complete more 'high-value orders' or 'pay activation fees'. That's when he realised his money was trapped. Despite filing complaints with Dubai Police's e-crimes unit in April, the Criminal Investigation Department and the UAE Central Bank, Mr Asgari has yet to receive any resolution. Calls and WhatsApp messages initiated by The National with the alleged fraudsters' phone numbers provided by Mr Asgari went unanswered. Fifty-six per cent of the UAE population is subject to a scam attempt at least once a month, according to the UAE Cybersecurity Council 's 2024 State of Scams report, which polled 1,964 UAE citizens. The survey found the majority of scams are delivered through instant messaging tools, with WhatsApp being the most used platform for scam delivery. Phone calls and text/SMS messages are also common mediums for fraudsters, followed by email in fourth place. Modus operandi Scammers often approach victims through social media, messaging apps, or fake websites. They pose as trusted companies or investors, use fake dashboards to show fake profits to build trust, and gradually push for more deposits. When the victim tries to withdraw funds, they are asked to pay additional 'fees' until eventually, the scammers vanish, says Navin Gupta, chief executive of blockchain analytics platform Crystal Intelligence. Watch out for unrealistic promises, suspicious URLs or apps, pressure to act quickly, urgent requests for more funds, or private keys, anonymous teams or sketchy websites, ever-changing withdrawal conditions and lack of transparency, he warns. Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching, points out it can be difficult to differentiate between genuine and fake investment platforms as the latter are becoming more and more sophisticated, and especially easy to believe for an inexperienced investor eager to make good returns. Some red flags to look out for are platforms with no regulatory information or vague company backgrounds, promises of high, consistent returns with zero risk, urgency tactics such as 'limited time investment windows' pressure to upgrade quickly, requests for payments via cryptocurrency, third-party transfers, or to personal bank accounts, and poor grammar or inconsistent communication from so-called customer support, Ms Glynn highlights. Legal perspective Abdullah Ishnaneh, partner at law firm BSA, says the avenues the investor has already pursued, including Dubai Police Cybercrime and Public Prosecution, are the 'correct and most reliable' channels for addressing online fraud in the UAE. These authorities have the mandate to investigate scams, trace digital transactions and prosecute cybercrime under UAE law, particularly where the individuals involved are within the country. However, such complaints can stall if the evidence is not clearly presented or if the suspects are not easily traceable, Mr Ishnaneh explains. 'The most realistic path forward is to focus on the cybercrime complaint, ensuring that all evidence, such as proof of fabricated dashboards, misleading profit figures and coercive deposit tactics, is organised and linked clearly to UAE cybercrime laws, particularly Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021,' he says. 'A well-structured submission and consistent follow-up with the authorities may improve the chances of the case being reactivated, especially if any part of the scam was operated or facilitated from within the UAE.' What to do Ms Glynn says if someone falls victim to a suspected financial scam, the first thing to do is report to authorities ... gather all communications, bring records of all transactions, platform screenshots and any information on the individuals or companies involved. Victims can report the case to the Cybercrimes Unit at Dubai Police or the force in their emirate. They can also report through the eCrime platform, she explains. Watch: Large rise in crypto scams amid fears of missing out Also, one must contact their bank immediately. If funds were sent via bank transfer, report it to the bank's fraud department. It may be able to freeze the transfer if it was recent, she adds. Informing the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is also important. This can help prevent the scam site from continuing to operate or target others in the UAE, Ms Glynn recommends. Red flags Maher Yamout, lead security researcher for the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa at cyber security firm Kaspersky, instructs users to treat any platform promising 'fixed daily returns' as suspicious until it processes a small test withdrawal and presents a licence they can verify with the UAE Securities Commodities Authority, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, ADGM or Dubai International Financial Centre; to help check for authenticity. Kaspersky research shows users in the Middle East hit by mobile financial threats jumped 146 per cent in 2024 from the previous year, and a further 43 per cent in the first quarter of this year, even though overall cyber attack volume in the UAE fell by 16 per cent. 'Several forces are driving the surge,' Mr Yamout says. "Persistently high gold prices push retail investors towards high-yield alternatives, creating fertile ground for fraudsters who clone legitimate bullion or cloud-mining projects. 'Near-universal smartphone and digital wallet adoption in the UAE gives attackers a vast target pool, while AI-generated marketing materials, deepfake endorsements and encrypted-messaging campaigns let them distribute convincing lures at negligible cost." Finally, instant crypto-payment rails make it easy to launder stolen funds across borders, keeping the risk to criminals low and the potential reward high, he adds. Preventive tips Ms Glynn suggests users always check a financial platform is licensed by a recognised regulator (like the DFSA or ADGM). Check directly with the governing body, do not merely trust the declaration on the investment company's website, she says. Be cautious of investment opportunities marketed through WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media with no professional or regulatory backing, especially if they are offering aggressive returns with no risk and vague explanations as to how they achieve these returns, Ms Glynn warns. 'Don't rely on a friend's recommendation, especially if they're also inexperienced. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Independent research and due diligence are essential,' she says. 'Avoid platforms that ask for repeated deposits without allowing any withdrawals and those that don't clearly outline their terms and conditions, charges, insurance, and process for withdrawal.'

UAE Central Bank fines exchange houses $1.12m for anti-money laundering violations
UAE Central Bank fines exchange houses $1.12m for anti-money laundering violations

Arabian Business

time9 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE Central Bank fines exchange houses $1.12m for anti-money laundering violations

The Central Bank of the UAE has imposed financial penalties totalling AED4.1m ($1.12m) on three exchange houses for failing to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) regulations. The sanctions, issued under Article (14) of Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018, follow detailed examinations by the Central Bank, which found significant compliance shortcomings. These included deficiencies in implementing adequate AML/CFT procedures and policies intended to detect and prevent illicit financial activity. CBUAE fines The action is part of the CBUAE's broader mandate to supervise and regulate financial institutions across the United Arab Emirates, ensuring they operate in accordance with local laws and the highest international standards. By holding exchange houses accountable, the Central Bank aims to maintain transparency, financial stability, and compliance with global AML/CFT frameworks.

UAE rescues 22 crew from ship after Red Sea attack
UAE rescues 22 crew from ship after Red Sea attack

The National

time10 hours ago

  • The National

UAE rescues 22 crew from ship after Red Sea attack

A UAE rescue mission brought the 22 crew members of a stricken commercial ship to safety after it came under attack in the Red Sea on Sunday. The Safeen Prism ship, operated by Abu Dhabi Ports Group, responded to a distress call from the Liberian-flagged vessel Magic Seas. A fire broke out on the vessel, causing the crew to abandon ship, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had previously said on social media. The agency said an armed security team on the vessel had returned fire after an initial attack of gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades. Security firm Ambrey said the vessel fits the typical profile of a Houthi target. Ambrey said two drone boats struck the ship, while another two were destroyed by armed guards on board the Magic Seas. Moammar Al Eryani, Information Minister for Yemen's internationally recognised exiled government based in Saudi Arabia, blamed the Iran-backed Houthi rebels for the attack. In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the UAE's response operation successfully rescued all 22 aboard the vessel, consisting of crew and security personnel. "The rescue operation was carried out in close co-ordination with specialised maritime authorities, including UKMTO and the relevant international organisations, in accordance with the highest standards of safety and emergency response," the ministry said, in a statement shared by the state news agency Wam. "The swift action reflects the UAE's steadfast commitment to the safety and security of international maritime navigation and its humanitarian solidarity with all nations in addressing the increasing challenges in strategic waterways."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store