RAS AL KHAIMAH // More than twice as many fines for environmental violations were issued last month compared to the year before.
The Department of Public Works and Services in Ras Al Khaimah handed out 412 fines in January compared to 163 fines in 2015.
Of these, 16 were issued to visitors to Jebel Jais mountain for littering, said said Ahmed Al Shehi, director of the department.
He told Al Ittihad, the sister newspaper of The National that the increase was because of an increase in the number of inspectors that had been hired.
The department will install surveillance cameras in places around the emirate, including Saqr Park, to make sure that all visitor do not leave litter behind.
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Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
