Authorities in the United Arab Emirates issued a warning to residents on Tuesday regarding a new scam circulating on social media.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research stated that certain 'unofficial links and unauthorized forms' are falsely claiming to handle exemption requests for Emirati students who wish to study abroad.

This advisory comes shortly after the UAE approved specific criteria for supporting Emirati students pursuing higher education internationally, aimed at regulating scholarship options aligned with national aspirations.

The Ministry clarified that it has 'neither released nor endorsed any such materials outside its official channels' and urged residents to refrain from submitting personal information on unofficial platforms.

This advisory is part of ongoing efforts to combat scams where impersonators pose as public officials to obtain personal data from UAE residents.

Local authorities consistently remind citizens to exercise caution when engaging with online content, particularly when clicking on links or scanning QR codes.

In a related development, the Ministry of Family, in collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, announced a new initiative to establish an integrated service system aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities.

A significant feature of this initiative is the introduction of a unified identification card for people of determination, which is expected to be available by January 2026. This card will be recognized at both federal and local levels, facilitating access to various services and benefits.

The initiative seeks to harmonize relevant legislation and fully implement the Unified National Disability Classification, standardizing diagnostic and assessment methods.

Residents of Abu Dhabi will have the opportunity to apply for the People of Determination Card through the Zayed Higher Organization.

Efforts will also focus on developing joint training programs, enhancing the skills of national professionals serving people of determination.

The authorities aim to protect the rights of this demographic and establish consistent responses to inquiries through multiple communication channels.

They will participate in relevant local and international events and conduct benchmarking studies to improve systems and services for people of determination.

In another initiative, Dubai Municipality launched 'My School Food,' a transformative digital platform designed to improve food safety and nutrition standards across the emirate’s educational institutions.

Announced during the third Dubai Food Safety Forum, this system establishes stringent guidelines, incorporating technology and an AI chatbot aimed at fostering healthier dietary habits in students.

The platform will serve over 400,000 students across more than 500 schools and educational institutions, promoting nutrient-rich foods while preventing childhood obesity and associated health risks.

The guidelines introduce calorie-counting, portion control, and clearer labeling to ensure transparency and promote healthier food choices.

Additionally, there are measures to enhance food safety, including personal hygiene protocols and allergen management.

Reports indicate that the initiative seeks to promote sustainability by encouraging green canteen practices, such as reducing food waste and using locally sourced ingredients.

Each user group, including teachers, parents, and food suppliers, will have access to tailored resources through the platform, while students will engage with nutritional content in an interactive format.

The roll-out of a Nutrition in Charge (NIC) role in schools aims to ensure compliance with new nutritional mandates, alongside a school food audit system that requires catering companies to register and undergo monthly inspections.

The platform will integrate with an updated version of the Dubai Municipality's existing food safety monitoring application.

The Dubai Food Safety Forum coincided with World Food Safety Day, focusing on the scientific approaches to enhancing food safety policymaking and improving the food supply chain's resilience.