Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi issues 39 fines for illegal gatherings since start of Ramadan

Penalties can reach Dh10,000 for organisers and Dh5,000 for each participant

Abu Dhabi Police urged the public to report breaches of Covid-19 rules. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Police.

Abu Dhabi Police have issued 39 fines for illegal social gatherings since the beginning of Ramadan.

These were given for breaching Covid-19 rules which ban gatherings of more than 10 people, a police official said on Sunday.

Fines can reach Dh10,000 ($2,722) for organisers and Dh5,000 for each participant.

Police urged the public to follow coronavirus rules.

"Some Ramadan traditions and social norms have become very dangerous during the current pandemic,” a police official said.

“They contradict precautionary measures and regulations to curb the spread of Covid-19.”

Examples include “big family gatherings and iftar banquets that are held for a large number of relatives and friends”, said the official.

Police urge the public to report any breaches by calling 8002626; sending a text message to 2828; or by emailing the police's security service [e-mail].

Reports can also be made on the public prosecution smartphone app.

Typical Ramadan traditions – such as tents at hotels and communal iftars  – are not allowed this year, to curb the spread of Covid-19 as the vaccine programme continues its rollout.

The UAE has one of the world's fastest vaccination drives, with 10 million doses administered in just a few months.

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