For Fatima Saleh, a mother of two living in Abu Dhabi, keeping her children safe and knowing where they are is a daily priority. As a working mom, she balances her job with family responsibilities but often worries about her children’s safety, especially during their school commute and time with friends.
“I usually get home from work around 4 pm, and by then, my kids are already home,” Fatima shared.
But like many working parents, she still has concerns about their activities when she isn’t around. She recalled a distressing moment: “One time, my seven-year-old son went to his friend’s house two blocks away without telling me. When I got home and couldn’t find him, I panicked. I called all our relatives until I finally found him at his friend’s house.”
That incident prompted her to take action. “I was so upset. After discussing it with my sister, she suggested using tracking devices. I ended up buying eight trackers and placed them in my children’s shoes and bags,” Fatima explained. “Now, I can monitor where they are, and it gives me peace of mind.”
Parents across the UAE are increasingly turning to GPS tracking devices for their children’s safety. These trackers, often placed in school bags or shoes, provide real-time location updates.
The growing trend comes amid concerns about bus delays, traffic issues, and tragic incidents where children have been left behind in school buses. These devices help parents stay informed about their children’s whereabouts and reduce risks during daily commutes.
Similarly, Tariq Ahmed, a Sharjah resident and father of three, values his children’s safety but struggles with a busy schedule that keeps him away from home for long hours. His wife, a schoolteacher, also works during the day.
Tariq shared a recent experience: “In June, my nine-year-old daughter was stuck in traffic while coming home from a birthday party. One of her friend’s parents was driving her back. I remembered the incident of a child being forgotten in a school bus and was overcome with anxiety. I kept calling her friend’s parents until I got a response.”
After discussing the incident with a friend, Tariq decided to invest in a GPS tracker. “I don’t want to intrude on her privacy, but knowing she’s safe between home, school, and activities helps me feel less anxious,” he said.
Electronics stores in the UAE have seen a surge in demand for these devices. Moideen Mustafa, manager of Phone Line in Deira, Dubai, shared: “We’ve sold over 500 trackers this year. Parents usually ask about battery life, accuracy, and design. Most prefer lightweight and durable options with long battery life. We offer everything from clip-on trackers to GPS-enabled shoe inserts.”
Ahmed Fardeen from Majestic Electronics in Al Nahda, Sharjah, added, “Many customers want devices that send real-time updates to their phones. Most are working parents who want peace of mind while they’re at work.”
By adopting GPS tracking devices, parents in the UAE are finding ways to stay connected to their children, ensuring safety and easing their worries.
