Eid Al Fitr holidays 2025: Six essential tips for UAE residents to protect their home while traveling

Dubai: If you are planning a short getaway abroad during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays, keeping your home secure while you are away is essential. While it is natural to feel anxious about leaving your property unattended, following key safety measures - from security checklists and smart monitoring systems to managing utility bills and car protection, can help you safeguard your home and enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.

Before leaving for your vacation, make sure to secure all entrances and windows of your home. Lock wardrobes and place valuable items in a bank safe box. Avoid leaving your car keys inside your vehicle and ask a trusted friend or relative to check on your home while you are away. Ensure that your indoor and outdoor security cameras are working, and turn off all water taps and electrical switches to reduce the risk of accidents or high utility bills.

For enhanced protection, consider installing Dubai Police’s 'Smart Home Security' system, which offers round-the-clock monitoring. This system is equipped with smart sensors, cameras, and motion detectors that monitor for suspicious activity. If a potential threat is detected, the system sends alerts to a dedicated monitoring station. Verified alerts are immediately reported to Dubai Police for a swift response. The system is designed to provide enhanced protection against intrusions, ensuring a safer home environment. To purchase the package, visit homesecurity.dubaipolice.gov.ae for more details.

To avoid unexpected utility charges, Dubai residents can use the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority's (Dewa) 'Away Mode' feature. This tool allows you to track your home's electricity and water usage while you're away and provides alerts if there are unusual spikes in consumption.

To activate 'Away Mode,' you need a smart electricity and water meter installed in your home. The feature can be set up through your DEWA account on their website (www.dewa.gov.ae) or smart app, available for both Apple and Android devices. You can specify how long you want the service activated and choose to receive consumption updates daily or weekly via email.

In addition to activating 'Away Mode,' DEWA advises residents to switch off lights and unplug electrical appliances before travelling. Installing a timer for outdoor floodlights, shutting off the water supply, and arranging for a professional technician to inspect water connections for leaks can help prevent potential issues while you are away.

Dubai Police has strongly advised against sharing pictures of your boarding pass or travel details online. Posting such information could expose sensitive data, such as your passport or ID details, which criminals could exploit to access your bank account, steal loyalty points, or manipulate services that require minimal verification.

Informing a trusted neighbour or friend about your travel plans can provide an extra layer of security. They can occasionally switch lights and air conditioning on and off to create the impression that someone is home. They can also remove newspapers and advertisement brochures from your doorstep, which could otherwise indicate your absence. Dubai Police has also recommended keeping some outdoor lights on to maintain the appearance of activity around your home.

If you are leaving your car behind during your travels, park it in a designated space that is well-lit and ideally monitored by surveillance or security staff. For longer trips, consider disconnecting the battery to prevent drainage and discourage theft. Using a car cover can protect your vehicle from dust, debris, and harsh weather, particularly if it is parked outdoors.

Ensure that no valuables are visible inside the vehicle, all doors, windows, and the trunk are locked, and that security features like alarms or steering wheel locks are activated. Asking a trusted friend or neighbour to check on your car and start the engine occasionally can also help maintain the battery's condition.