Coronavirus: Police fine Dubai resident Dh10,000 for hosting house party

Guests and a band hired to perform at the private gathering also faced financial penalties

Safety measures are implemented at The Butcher restaurant in the Marina. Dubai. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National

Covid-19 safety measures are implemented at The Butcher restaurant in the Marina, Dubai.

A "stay safe" sign in Jumeirah.

A man makes his deliveries on a moped in the Marina, Dubai.

A man at the marina hoses down a boat.

A Five hotel employee puts luggage through a Ultra Violet sanitiser machine.

The Waterfront Market in Deira, Dubai.

People look at artwork for sale at Anyahh Art in Dubai.

A man wearing a mask at Anyahh Art, Dubai.

A woman takes pictures in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, with a protective mask on.

A Covid-19 message is painted on a Dubai street.

A couple walk home from the shops in JVC, Dubai.

A Dubai resident was fined Dh10,000 after flouting Covid-19 safety measures by throwing a party at her home.

The woman and her guests broke physical-distancing rules and were not wearing face masks during the event, Dubai Police said. The host had also invited a live band to perform at the gathering.

Authorities in the emirate are taking tough action against people and businesses who breach government guidelines to curb the spread of the virus.

Premises across Dubai have been closed down or punished with heavy fines for failing to adhere to regulations.

Brig Jamal Salem Al-Jallaf, director of criminal investigations at Dubai Police, reiterated that anyone who invites or organises gatherings, meetings, private and public celebrations or is present in groups at public places or private farms faces a Dh10,000 fine.

He confirmed that guests and band members were also fined Dh5,000, in line with laws laid down by the UAE's Attorney General.

The senior officer urged members of the public to comply with  safety measures to help the country's fight against coronavirus and report offenders via the Police Eye service on smartphones or by contacting the Dubai Police call centre on 901.

An actress was arrested in Dubai for flouting Covid-19 safety measures while hosting two birthday celebrations, police announced on Sunday.

The Moroccan woman, known as M H, posted videos from the events, held at two restaurants, on Snapchat.

Police arrested her after seeing the footage on social media that showed her guests crowded together and not complying with physical distancing regulations.

At the weekend, police also arrested eight people for attending one of three weddings illegally held across the country.

Action was taken against the organisers because guests were not first-degree relatives, which is one of several regulations that govern social gatherings.

Guests also did not comply with rules on face masks and physical distancing.