In the first half of 2025, Dubai Municipality successfully removed 1,387 abandoned vehicles and equipment. During this period, 6,187 warnings were also issued across residential, commercial, and industrial zones in the emirate.
In Dubai, a vehicle left unwashed in public for an extended period can incur a Dh500 fine. Authorities issue a warning, and if the vehicle isn’t cleaned within 15 days, it risks being impounded.
These measures are implemented to preserve the city’s visual appeal, protect public health and safety, and maintain high urban cleanliness standards.
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Eng Saeed Abdul Rahim Safar, Director of the Waste Operations Department at Dubai Municipality, stated, “Addressing abandoned vehicles is a key priority to maintain Dubai’s urban environment and enhance its attractiveness.
“Our field teams work throughout the year to monitor and remove abandoned vehicles, whether on roads, in public parking, or on sandy plots. In the first half of this year, we achieved a 77.6% positive public response rate in handling abandoned vehicle cases, and we are committed to strengthening partnerships and awareness efforts to increase this figure further.”
Safar highlighted Dubai Municipality’s implementation of field programs and community campaigns to reduce abandoned vehicles and equipment in public spaces that harm the city’s appearance.
He also noted that the Municipality aims to raise public awareness about the damage caused by abandoned vehicles, encourage community responsibility, and stress the importance of collaboration with government and private sector partners to sustain Dubai’s appeal and ensure resident well-being.
Vehicle removal process
The field teams first identify and record vehicle details in the smart system and issue a warning notice giving the owner between three and 15 days to respond, depending on the vehicle’s condition and location.
For vehicles registered in Dubai, an SMS alert is sent to the owner via the Roads and Transport Authority’s system. After the warning period, the vehicle is removed and taken to the company’s impound yard in Al Awir.
Shared responsibility
Dubai Municipality urged residents and vehicle owners to avoid leaving cars unattended for long periods, especially during summer holidays. The Municipality emphasized that maintaining the city’s cleanliness is a shared duty between the government and the community. Residents can contribute by properly maintaining their vehicles, regularly cleaning them, using protective covers, parking in designated safe areas, and avoiding leaving vehicles in deserted or sandy locations that accelerate wear and tear.
