Summer travel planning has already started across Dubai. Families are locking in school holiday trips, residents are searching for Eid Al Adha getaways, and airports are preparing for another busy season. But alongside the excitement of booking flights and hotels, Dubai Police are warning residents to stay alert.
Authorities have issued a fresh advisory about a rise in fake travel deals, fraudulent booking websites, and online tourism scams targeting UAE residents during the holiday season.
From luxury resort packages advertised at unbelievably low prices to fake airline booking portals that disappear after payment, scammers are using the summer rush to trap unsuspecting travellers.
The warning comes at a time when many residents are actively searching for affordable trips across Europe, Asia, and nearby GCC destinations.
Fake travel offers are spreading quickly online
Scrolling through social media today, it is easy to come across ads promising five-star holidays for a fraction of the usual cost. Some promotions look polished and convincing. Others even copy the branding of real airlines, hotels, and travel agencies operating in the UAE.
Dubai Police said many scammers are creating fake websites that closely resemble legitimate booking platforms. Residents often only realise something is wrong after payments have already been made.
In some reported cases, travellers arrived at airports or hotels only to discover their reservations never existed.
The scams are not limited to websites alone. Fraudsters are also approaching people through WhatsApp messages, SMS links, fake customer service calls, and sponsored social media ads.
With many UAE residents trying to secure cheaper summer deals before prices climb further, scammers know exactly how to create a sense of urgency.
Luxury holiday packages are one of the biggest traps
One common tactic involves heavily discounted luxury packages. A beachfront stay in the Maldives, an all-inclusive Europe trip, or premium flight upgrades offered at prices far below the market rate can quickly attract attention online.
Dubai residents are used to seeing travel promotions everywhere during this time of year, especially inside malls, on Instagram, and across digital platforms. That makes it easier for fake offers to blend in naturally.
Scammers often pressure customers into making quick payments by claiming rooms are “almost sold out” or that deals are “ending within hours.”
Once payment is transferred, communication usually stops completely.
Dubai Police advised residents to avoid rushing into bookings simply because a deal appears attractive. Authorities stressed that travellers should always verify whether a travel agency is licensed and operating legally in the UAE.
Residents urged to double-check every booking detail
For many families in Dubai, summer holidays are carefully planned months. Parents coordinate around school breaks while residents try balancing budgets with rising travel demand.
That urgency sometimes leads people to skip basic verification steps.
Dubai Police are reminding travellers to take a closer look before entering card details or sharing personal documents online.
Simple checks can make a major difference. Residents should inspect website addresses carefully, confirm official contact numbers, and review customer feedback from trusted sources.
Authorities also warned against transferring money directly into personal bank accounts, which is a common red flag in online fraud cases.
Legitimate travel agencies in the UAE usually provide proper invoices, verified payment gateways, and clear booking confirmations.
Fake visa services are also becoming more common
Beyond holiday packages, fake visa processing services are also circulating online.
Scammers often target residents planning trips to Schengen countries, the UK, or popular Asian destinations. They promise fast approvals, guaranteed visas, or “special connections” for additional fees.
Dubai Police warned residents never to share passport copies, Emirates ID details, or banking information with unverified agents online.
Travellers are encouraged to work only with trusted agencies and official government-approved channels when applying for visas.
Dubai Police share practical safety tips for travellers
Authorities shared several reminders for residents preparing for summer travel.
These include:
- Book only through trusted and licensed travel companies
- Be cautious of prices that seem unusually cheap
- Verify hotel and flight reservations directly
- Avoid clicking unknown payment links
- Never share OTPs or banking passwords
- Double-check website URLs carefully
- Report suspicious accounts or websites immediately
Cybersecurity experts say scammers often rely on panic and excitement. The faster someone rushes into payment, the easier it becomes for fraudsters to succeed.
That is why authorities are encouraging residents to slow down and verify every detail properly before confirming a booking.
UAE travellers are being encouraged to stay cautious this summer
Dubai’s travel scene becomes especially busy before Eid holidays and the summer school break. Airports fill up, hotel searches spike, and residents start planning quick escapes from the heat.
Scammers are aware of these seasonal trends and tend to increase activity during high-demand travel periods.
Dubai Police said awareness remains one of the strongest tools residents can use to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
For travellers, a few extra minutes spent checking a booking could prevent major financial losses and ruined holiday plans later.
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