Police patrols and drones across the UAE over Eid Al Adha will ensure people comply with Covid-19 safety measures.
Sharjah Police said 180 patrols would oversee traffic while marine units would be on hand to protect beachgoers.
Officers will be on patrol in public areas to uphold physical distancing measures and ensure Emiratis and residents wear masks at all times.
Dubai Police will keep a close eye on public beaches, which are expected to be busy at the weekend.
“We have seen large numbers come to Dubai beaches during Eid Al Fitr and we expect to see more during this Eid,” said Lt Col Ali Al Naqbi, director of Maritime Rescue at Dubai Police.
He said the goal was not to issue fines but to protect the public from contracting the coronavirus.
“Our officers always start by explaining safety rules to people and talking about the importance of adhering to them,” he said.
“They even give away masks and gloves for those who are found without ones, and talk to those found gathering in large groups.”
Dubai patrols will be on Kite Beach, Al Hamriya Beach, Al Mamzar Beach, Sunset Beach and Jumeirah Beach.
“Many people are expected to come to these locations and families are likely to bring their caravans. Therefore we will increase beach security, quad bikes, jet skis and cycling patrols and also provide lifeguards and rescuers,” he said.
Drones will be used to identify residents and Emiratis found breaking the safety measures.
“Fines will only be handed out to those who insist on breaking rules despite warnings and officers’ advice,” he said.
Lt Col Al Naqbi asked anyone intending to go sailing over Eid to download the police's Safe Sail application.
“Instead of wasting time trying to locate someone in distress, this app can track the cruise's journey and help rescue teams arrive in record time,” he said.
Fines of up to Dh3,000 await anyone caught not wearing a mask or maintaining a safe distance of at least two metres from others.
Eid Al Adha preparations around the world:
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
Closing the loophole on sugary drinks
As The National reported last year, non-fizzy sugared drinks were not covered when the original tax was introduced in 2017. Sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, 20 grams of sugar per 500ml bottle.
The non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.
Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.
Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
Not taxed:
Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
TICKETS
Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
