Dubai Police and security forces conducted one of the most robust public safety initiatives of this year as Eid Al Adha was kicked off right here in the UAE. The administration has cautioned the community that those who use, distribute or sell illegally made fireworks during the holiday this year may face penalties of up to AED 100,000 and criminal prosecution.
The warning comes as authorities start beefing up fireworks crackdowns while on a prolonged vacation in the summer as fittings of residents and public gathering places coincide with festive occasions which heighten risks associated with illegal fireworks and unsafe festivities in crowded residential communities.
Why Are UAE Authorities Cracking Down?
One of the most common recurring public safety issues in the Eid holidays is illegal fireworks. All year around, Emergency crews in the UAE are faced with thousands of firework-related incidents, ranging from burns to eye injuries, to unsuspecting fireworks causing damage to homes or buildings.
Dubai Police has reiterated that due to the fact that many fireworks are bought from non-lawful suppliers across the UAE or even over the internet and does not support compliance with Dubai’s fire safety laws and regulations. Conducted on residential areas during dinnertime, some products release high-level explosive compounds which may lead to serious incidents, such as fires, or injuries to people in residential areas filled with people.
Fireworks authorities are especially worried about children being left unattended with these explosives in apartment complexes and heavily populated residential areas.
Penalties Residents Could Face
In the UAE, it is illegal to own, sell, handle or shoot fireworks without proper authorization and, by law, they may result in significant financial and legal penalties.
Offenders could be liable to fines up to AED 100,000, depending on the severity of their offense. However, in instances of illegal trading and/or endangering the public, a person can also be charged and jailed, and materials seized.
Dubai Police made it clear that the law does not just apply to sellers and distributors but those who set off fireworks in unauthorized places as well.
Eid Enforcement operations intensify
The warning has come on the heels of a number of other biting operations against Eid violations being conducted in Dubai and around the UAE at this time.
Dubai Police has implemented stepped up allocation of manned units around mosques, shopping centers, public parks during Eid Al Adha, as well as during other holiday seasons, and residential areas to monitor crime and anti-social activities already. Smart patrol systems are also used to track traffic violations and illegal parking the areas around prayer grounds and major gathering areas.
Meanwhile, dedicated surveillance teams are keeping a close watch on online scams, which are hard to spot, illegal street butchers and unauthorized donation drives which usually spike during the holiday season.
According to the authorities, its objective is to provide hygienic conditions for the residents to celebrate the holiday of Eid without any interruption, injury or disturbances affecting their public safety.
Online Sales and Social Media Monitoring
Police have also cautioned people not to buy fireworks from social media, WhatsApp groups or unlicensed online vendors. Cybercrime units are said to be tracking unlawful festive offerings on digital platforms in the festive season surge.
People are urged to speak out against any fireworks sales, fake travel promotions or unauthorized fundraisers as soon as they are known which will be done via official police apps and government reporting portals.
Authorities warned that many retailers who sell fireworks online do not have the proper license and can disappear with the cash after receiving payment, leaving consumers vulnerable to scams as well as liability for any legal action.
Safe Alternatives for Eid Celebrations
Police are urging families to go out and see professionally arranged public fireworks displays, instead of trying to host their own events at home.
Licensed public events are under strict supervision for safety they aim to ensure minimisation of fire risks and safe crowd handling. It also is advised that families supervise their children during outdoor activities, and avoid activities that pose risks to residents or cars close to them.
FAQs
How much do you think the fine would be for illegally using fireworks in the UAE?
Penalties are up to AED 100.000 depending on the severity of the offence and illegal trading or public safety violations.
Can people buy/conceal private fireworks for Eid?
Fireworks of any sort are not allowed to be used except in an officially sanctioned public event.
Why is Dubai Police stepping up Eid security?
The ramp up of the patrols and crackdowns aim to better the public safety during the hectic time of Eid Al Adha.
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