Dubai Police arrest actress for hosting birthday party amid Covid-19

The celebrity and her guests breached rules on wearing masks and physical distancing

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  Commuters wait for their bus outside the airconditioned bus stop along al Falah Street in central Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon All photos by. All photos by Victor Besa /The National

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  Mustaffa, eleven, waits for his bread to be baked with his uncle Abdul Qader outside the Naser Bader Bakery.

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  Abdul Rahman has been working at Naser Bader Bakery along Al Falah Street, Abu Dhabi for almost five years now.

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  The new air-conditioned bus stops around Abu Dhabi with Covid-19 restrictions.

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  Pedestrians cross the street at central Abu Dhabi on Friday afternoon.

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  Commuters get off the bus at Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

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  Commuters get off the bus at Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

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  E-scooter riders along Al Falah Street in central Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

An actress was arrested in Dubai for flouting Covid-19 safety measures while hosting two birthday celebrations.

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.

“She had a number of guests gathered in a closed place, which is in breach of the resolution issued by UAE’s Attorney General," said Brig Jamal Al Jallaf, director of criminal investigations at Dubai Police.

The penalties put in place by the UAE Attorney General, to protect the public from Covid-19, include Dh3,000 for not wearing a face mask or breaching physical distancing rules.

She and her guests have disregarded rules

An updated list issued in May showed that a Dh10,000 fine would be issued to anyone who organised an unlawful gathering, with those taking part facing a fine of Dh5,000.

“She and her guests have disregarded rules of physical distancing and wearing masks during the party,” said Brig Al Jallaf.

He said the Dh10,000 fine applied to anyone who organised a gathering in a public or private place, including a home.

Brig Al Jallaf said police would not tolerate any breaches that threaten the safety of others.

“These measures have been put in place to protect members of the community and curb the pandemic,” he said.

Brig Al Jallaf urged all tourism companies, businesses and the public to support government efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19 by following the rules.

This month, authorities across the Emirates began a major campaign to enforce safety measures at businesses and in homes.

On Sunday, inspectors from Dubai Economy shut down a sports facility in Al Qusais and fined 10 businesses, including a swimming academy in Al Quoz, for flouting regulations.

Inspectors also visited commercial establishments, including fitness centres, in Al Karama and Al Bada'a. The most common infractions included staff not wearing face masks and physical distancing stickers not being placed on the shop floor.

Officials asked consumers to report retailers who ignored rules by using the Dubai Consumer App, calling 600 545 555, or visiting consumerrights.ae.

At the weekend, police 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 flouted rules on face masks and physical distancing.