Leaving Kids in Cars Amid Extreme Heat Is a Crime in the UAE
- Publish date: Monday، 26 May 2025 Reading time: two min read
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The UAE is heating up fast, with the temperature hitting 51.6°C on Saturday, May 24—one of the highest so far this year. As the heat intensifies, Abu Dhabi Police are urging residents, especially parents, to take extra care and never leave children alone in vehicles, even for a short time.
Leaving Children in Cars Can Be Deadly
Authorities say even a few minutes inside a locked car can become life-threatening for a child. When a car is parked under the sun, oxygen levels can drop, and temperatures inside can spike quickly—leading to suffocation, heatstroke, or even death.
In many cases, parents might leave children behind while running errands or forget they’re still inside after a school drop-off. These mistakes can have tragic consequences.
It’s Not Just Heat—It’s a Safety Risk Too
Beyond the heat, children left alone in cars are also at risk of accidents. A child might move the gear shift, or in worse cases, a car thief could take advantage of the situation. Police say such negligence makes it easier for crimes to happen and puts the child’s life in danger.
Negligence Comes with Legal Consequences
Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle isn’t just unsafe—it’s punishable by law. According to Article 35 of the UAE’s Wadeema Law, parents or guardians found guilty of negligence could face fines up to Dh10,000 and/or jail time, depending on the case.
Abu Dhabi Police stressed that endangering a child’s life is a serious offense. If proven guilty, offenders will be referred to judicial authorities.
A Reminder After a Past Tragedy
This warning comes after previous incidents, including a tragic case last year where a 7-year-old boy died after being forgotten in a locked car for hours. The child was being dropped off at school, but the unlicensed driver accidentally left him behind.
Bottom Line: As summer temperatures surge, authorities are reminding families to double-check before locking their vehicles. A quick mistake can lead to irreversible damage—and serious legal consequences.