UAE: How Dubai, Abu Dhabi tackle the problem of abandoned vehicles

Dubai Municipality has launched a crackdown on abandoned vehicles as people return from their summer vacation. According to a report in Khaleej Times, many UAE residents after returning from their summer vacation were surprised to receive fines for their parked vehicles with Dh3,000 fine.

But many residents know that the Dubai Municipality periodically launches campaign against abandoned vehicles. The campaign is meant to reduce the behavior of leaving abandoned vehicles, boats and equipment in public places, particularly during annual vacations and travel season.

Its “Clean Vehicle, Sustainable City” campaign is also meant to "raise the level of community awareness on the damages caused by neglected vehicles, as well as promote the values of social responsibility, in addition to cooperating with departments and establishments in the government and private sectors on maintaining the sustainability of the public appearance and the beauty of the facilities."


According to Dubai Municipality, a specialized field team monitors and documents all information and data of neglected vehicles and equipment in all areas of the Emirate, which include light and heavy vehicles, long trucks and trailers, boats and various marine transport. The process of removing these vehicles begins by monitoring the vehicles and equipment and documenting all their data on tablets.

"To help keep Dubai clean and sustainable and avoid Dubai Municipality's violation procedures for abandoned vehicles and equipment, avoid leaving your vehicle in a way that distorts the general appearance of the city," the municipality said in a tweet.

Failure of vehicle owners to respond to the message within a stipulated period can lead confiscation of the vehicle and eventually the auction of the vehicle. According to news reports, Abu Dhabi had also recently launched a campaign to clear parking lots and public places of abandoned cars.