Dubai tour operator hit with Dh50,000 fine for breaching Covid-19 rules

Dubai Police broke up gathering of more than 20 vehicles in the desert

Dubai Police fined a tour operator Dh50,000 for not following Covid-19 precautionary measures. Dubai Media Office 

Dubai Police have fined a tour operator Dh50,000 ($13,612) for organising a large gathering in the desert that breached Covid-19 safety rules.

A video released by the Dubai Media Office on Friday shows a group of more than 20 vehicles parked in the desert.

"Dubai Police, in cooperation with Dubai Tourism, fines a tour operator Dh50,000 after being found organising an outdoor gathering without adhering to precautionary measures," Dubai Media Office tweeted.

Last week, police shut down a desert camp party and fined the camp operator Dh50,000 and each guest Dh15,000.

Organisers of a yacht party were also issued fines of Dh50,000 last week. The yacht operator's licence was suspended for a month.

Several people have also incurred financial penalties after ignoring social distancing rules and not wearing masks.

The authorities have said that yacht parties or tours are restricted to 10 people.

The move is in response to a recent rise in Covid-19 cases.

More than 3,000 new cases of the coronavirus have been recorded daily in the UAE in recent weeks – a significant rise since last year.