Dubai Police fine young men for gathering outside during disinfection hours

The group was asked to sign a pledge not to leave their homes from 10pm to 6am or to gather

Police in the UAE have announced more than three people can now travel in one car if they are from the same family. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai Police fined a group of young men for being outside their homes during disinfection hours.

The men were gathered outside someone's home in Al Barsha after 10pm – the start of the sanitation period that runs until 6am. During that time, everyone must remain indoors, under measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“The young men were escorted to the police station where they signed a pledge not to repeat their offence, and they were fined accordingly,” Brig Abdulraheem bin Shafee, director of Al Barsha Police Station, said on Thursday.

Anyone caught breaking the rules that limit gatherings, in public or privately, will face hefty fines. The host of the gathering will be fined Dh10,000 while each participant will must pay Dh5,000.

Those who do not adhere to measures regarding physical distancing will be fined Dh1,000, the same amount for anyone caught outdoors not wearing a mask.

Police reminded the public that no more than three people are allowed in a vehicle at one time and anyone who exceeds this number will be fined Dh1,000.

Brig bin Shafee called on the public to report any cases of non-compliance to safety measures by calling the Dubai Police Call Centre on 901 or submitting a report on the Police Eye app.

Dubai Police have adopted the equivalent of a "name and shame" policy to deter people from flouting restrictions put in place to protect public health. Police are posting mugshots of people who broke the rules, warning others not to follow in their footsteps.