Dubai Police reject rumours about driving licence changes

Somaya Saad, Staff Reporter

 Official sources at Dubai Police affirmed that the rumours regarding the replacement of driving licences issued from any country with a UAE licence, which spread over the past two days on social media platforms, are false.

The concerned authorities affirmed that the news is incorrect and no circular has been issued by them regarding this.

Lawyer Alia Al Ameri warned that anyone who uses the information network, or any means of information technology, to broadcast, publish, re-publish, circulate, or re-circulate false or misleading news or data, or false, malicious, or misleading reports or rumours, or that contradict what has been officially announced, or to broadcast any sensational propaganda that could incite public opinion, or stir it up, or disturb public security, or spread terror among people, or harm the public interest, or the national economy, or public order, or public health, shall be punished with imprisonment for a period of not less than one year, and a fine of not less than Dhs100,000.

Brigadier Juma Bin Suwaidan, Director of the Traffic Department, urged community members to commit to verification before re-publishing any information, especially concerning the Traffic Department, and that all amendments to driving licence replacement procedures are announced only through official channels, and unverified posts are not recognised.

Brigadier Juma Bin Suwaidan also advised using official authority applications and websites such as "Police Eye" and "Traffic Information Centre" and others, to ensure access to correct news and avoid being misled by rumours.

Major Abdullah Al Shehhi, Director of the Cybercrime Department at Dubai Police, called on the public not to spread or circulate rumors via social media sites.

He emphasised that many of these rumours contain messages that lack accuracy and credibility.