Dubai Police announced on Friday that they had shut down 33 unlicensed nurseries across the emirate and arrested 34 people connected to running them. The operation followed tip-offs from the public about illegal childcare facilities operating in residential areas, prompting investigation and inspection teams to act in coordination with Dubai Municipality, the Community Development Authority and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Police said many of the facilities were operating out of ordinary residential units without meeting basic hygiene, health or safety standards, exposing children to risks of neglect and mistreatment. Officials noted that these unlicensed nurseries typically target low-income families by offering childcare at prices below the official rates charged by licensed centres, operating deliberately outside the oversight and regulation that governs the sector.

Dubai Police urged parents to verify that any nursery holds a valid licence before enrolling their children, and called on residents to report suspected unlicensed childcare operations by calling 901 or through the Dubai Police website and smart app.

The crackdown is part of a broader effort by Dubai authorities to tighten oversight of childcare facilities and ensure children's safety, as the UAE has in recent years moved to strengthen licensing requirements for nurseries and childcare centres nationwide.