The Dangerous “Burning Evil Dolls” Trend Taking Over Dubai: What Parents Need to Know

Dubai Police have issued an urgent warning about a disturbing new social media trend that has infiltrated the UAE, putting children's lives at serious risk. The "burning evil dolls" challenge, which encourages youngsters to set dolls on fire to mimic horror movie scenes, has already resulted in severe injuries and prompted authorities to take swift action during Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

What Is This Viral Trend?

The burning evil dolls challenge is a viral social media phenomenon where children are encouraged to light dolls on fire, whether indoors or outdoors, to replicate scenes from horror films. Videos circulating across various platforms show participants setting the toys ablaze, creating content designed purely to attract views and engagement without considering the catastrophic consequences.

What many young participants fail to understand is that dolls are manufactured from highly flammable materials including plastic, synthetic fabric, and artificial hair that can ignite rapidly and release toxic fumes. When these materials burn, they can cause fires to spread uncontrollably, particularly in enclosed spaces, leading to suffocation, severe burns, injuries, and even fatalities.

A Tragic Reality: Mouza's Story

The dangers of this trend became horrifyingly real when seven-year-old Mouza Kaseb from Ras Al Khaimh suffered devastating burns on her seventh birthday in April 2025. After watching videos of the "evil dolls" game on social media, Mouza and her cousins decided to recreate the stunt by lighting a doll on fire.[7]

Wearing a traditional kandoura mkhawara—a jalabiya adorned with beads and artwork—Mouza's dress caught fire instantly. The fabric ignited quickly, and in her panic, she ran outside instead of seeking immediate help, which made the situation worse under the midday sun. Her brother witnessed the terrifying scene and rushed to tear off the burning garment before rushing her to the hospital.

Mouza sustained severe burns from her chest to her belly button, affecting her shoulders, back, and even portions of her hair. She was transferred to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi, where she spent 66 days undergoing sophisticated burn treatments including biodegradable temporising matrix (BTM) therapy and Meek grafting. While Mouza has since returned to school and her scars are healing, she admitted, "I'm slightly afraid of flames now. I will not play with fire again".

Dubai Police Take Action

In response to this alarming trend, Dubai Police launched an official warning campaign on October 19, 2025, as part of their Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative. The authorities emphasized that this challenge poses extreme safety risks and could lead to fires, injuries, and even fatalities.

Dubai Police have urged parents to actively monitor their children's online activities and educate them about the dangers of imitating unsafe viral challenges. Officials stressed that many of these videos are created solely to gain attention and views, with no regard for the severe risks and disastrous consequences they promote.

Crucially, authorities reminded the public that sharing or reposting dangerous videos promoting this trend is a **legal offense** under UAE law. Anyone who posts, shares, or encourages such content could face prosecution for endangering lives or property. Dubai Police have encouraged residents to immediately report any content promoting the burning dolls trend through official channels or social media platforms.

Why This Matters Now

This warning comes at a critical time as Dubai Police intensify their efforts during Cybersecurity Awareness Month throughout October 2025. The campaign includes various initiatives such as the "Capture the Flag" cybersecurity competition with a prize pool of Dh223,000, awareness exhibitions, school-focused sessions, and the launch of the eCrimeHub platform to educate the public about electronic crimes and online safety.

The burning evil dolls trend perfectly illustrates why digital literacy and parental vigilance are more important than ever. In an era where viral challenges spread globally within hours, children are exposed to dangerous content that can have life-altering consequences.

What Parents Can Do

Dubai Police have provided clear guidance for families to protect their children from this and similar dangerous trends:

Monitor online activity closely – Keep track of what your children watch on social media platforms and chat groups. Have open conversations about the content they consume.[

Educate about consequences – Explain the real dangers of imitating viral challenges. Use Mouza's story as a cautionary tale about how quickly things can go wrong.

Report dangerous content immediately – If you encounter videos promoting the burning dolls trend or similar hazardous challenges, report them to authorities through official channels.

Prioritize safety over entertainment – Teach children that security and safety must always come before social media popularity or views

Be digitally vigilant – Help your children develop critical thinking skills to assess whether online trends are safe or dangerous.

The Bigger Picture

The burning evil dolls trend is just one example of how social media challenges can escalate into life-threatening situations. Dubai authorities are committed to fostering a safer online environment through education, awareness campaigns, and strict enforcement of laws against content that endangers public safety.

As Dr. Simon Myers, Consultant and Division Chair of Burn Surgery at SSMC, emphasized when treating Mouza, many burn injuries in the UAE are preventable. While innovative medical treatments can save lives, the focus should always be on prevention through awareness and responsible digital behavior.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the message from Dubai Police is clear: think before you click, watch, or share. What seems like harmless fun online can have devastating real-world consequences. Parents, educators, and the entire community must work together to ensure children understand that their safety is far more valuable than fleeting social media fame.