Dubai Police Crack Down on 33 Unlicensed Nurseries Operating Illegally in Residential Areas

Dubai Police have apprehended 34 individuals following the closure of 33 unlicensed nurseries that were operating within residential buildings and other inappropriate settings. These nurseries, which targeted families with limited incomes by offering affordable childcare, were found to be non-compliant with essential regulations, thereby posing potential risks of neglect and abuse to children. According to police reports, some of these facilities lacked adequate hygiene and safety protocols, and employed staff without proper supervision.

The arrests were executed after joint field inspections and investigations were conducted by Dubai Municipality, the Community Development Authority, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Dubai Police stated, "The inherent danger of these nurseries stems from their operation outside of established childcare regulations, in premises unsuitable for children, with substandard hygiene levels and a complete absence of safety standards."

Through their investigations, authorities identified several illegal nurseries across the emirate. These establishments were placed under surveillance before a significant number were shut down and their operators arrested in a coordinated crackdown. The police force emphasized that these operations are part of ongoing efforts to safeguard children and address practices that jeopardize their well-being. They reiterated the critical importance of adhering to the laws governing nursery operations and strongly advised against placing young children in locations that are not designated or equipped for childcare.

Dubai Police further urged parents to verify the validity of nursery licenses before enrolling their children, cautioning them against selecting childcare services based solely on low fees or advertisements. Authorities also encouraged the public to report any suspected illegal childcare operations by contacting 901 or utilizing the Dubai Police website or their smart application.