I guess with the summer coming, the favorite UAE habit of leaving the car with the AC on while idle-ing is in for some bad news.
According to the police, they will be fined AED 300 if found leaving the car while started. Last year 1960 people were fined but the fine was lower last year (hey! remember inflation!)
Sadly, the reason given is only to stop thefts, and nothing is said about the environment. I would love to see fines being given for people sitting and waiting in their cars with ACs on. I've also seen guys sleeping in their cars with ACs on...apparently a very common thing done by many workers with their car from work. It definitely beats the heat!
In many countries they have 5 minutes max of idleing before you get fined, regardless if someone is sitting in it or not. Reason: waste of fuel and pollution. We have some way to get there (and hey the AC blower does feel great when its 45 C outside and you're waiting to pick someone up).