Every year, Emiratis and residents across the UAE decorate their cars with patriotic decals and join parades in celebration of National Day on December 2. A typical National Day evening involves colourful cars packed with people waving flags and blaring music as the country marks the anniversary of its unification. But this year, with the Covid-19 pandemic, celebrations are expected to be more muted and on Monday, Abu Dhabi Police issued a series of guidelines to ensure public safety. Motorists will be able to decorate their cars between November 25 and December 6, as is usually the case, but police said these must not be placed over the windows in a way that would prevent officers from seeing inside. Cars can be decorated with appropriate national phrases and the UAE flag as long as it does not obstruct the view of the driver or endanger others. Decals and colourful motifs can be added only to the side of the car and the overall vehicle colour should not be changed. The total number of people inside a car is capped at three, in accordance with Covid-19 safety regulations. The driver and two passengers must wear face masks at all times and must be visible from outside the car. Car owners are not allowed to add noisy accessories, obscure licence plates or cover the windscreen. Police said people should remain in their vehicles at all times and not stand through the sunroof or hang out of open windows. People in the car should remain seated with their seat belts fastened. Motorists should not obstruct traffic, park in unauthorised areas or drive in any way that could endanger others. Passengers should also not spray silly string or paint at people. Motorists found driving recklessly or endangering others face a fine of Dh2,000, 12 traffic points and will have their car impounded for 30 days. National Day in the UAE is celebrated on December 2 each year. It marks the day the emirates banded together at Union House – now Etihad Museum – to form the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, was the country’s first president. Public and private-sector workers will get a three-day break from December 1 to 3 to mark two important occasions: Commemoration Day and the country's 49th National Day.
