• Sunseekers enjoy a day out at Umm suqeim public beach on Saturday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Sunseekers enjoy a day out at Umm suqeim public beach on Saturday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Temperatures rose in the past week but residents still flocked to the shores as four public beaches opened on Friday
    Temperatures rose in the past week but residents still flocked to the shores as four public beaches opened on Friday
  • Sunbathers were urged to spread themselves out and keep a distance
    Sunbathers were urged to spread themselves out and keep a distance
  • Bathers should wear masks even when on the beach, the authorities said
    Bathers should wear masks even when on the beach, the authorities said
  • Public beaches opened a week after private hotel beaches were allowed bring guests back
    Public beaches opened a week after private hotel beaches were allowed bring guests back
  • Bathers were able to dip their feet into into the water for the first time in months
    Bathers were able to dip their feet into into the water for the first time in months
  • Police were seen patrolling along the beaches and said fines would be handed out to those found to be flouting rules
    Police were seen patrolling along the beaches and said fines would be handed out to those found to be flouting rules
  • More public areas and activities have been allowed to open in recent weeks
    More public areas and activities have been allowed to open in recent weeks

Coronavirus: Dubai Police issues winter warning to beach-goers to abide by Covid-19 measures or face fines


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Police in Dubai warned beach-goers to abide by Covid-19 safety measures during the peak winter season.

Crowds traditionally flock to the emirate's beaches when the searing summer heat gives way to cooler conditions.

Police urged the public to put safety first when soaking up the sunshine as authorities continue to deal with the pandemic.

The force released a short advisory video to its 1.7 million followers on Twitter asking people to adhere to key coronavirus measures or face financial penalties.

These include wearing a face mask, keeping a distance of at least two metres from others and not gathering in groups of more than five, unless they are family members.

Those caught on the beach without face masks or gathering in large groups face fines of Dh3,000.

"Because your safety is important to us, we ask you to follow the precautionary measures when going to the beaches of the emirate. Co-operate with us to ensure your safety," police said on Twitter.

Police officials said 721 people were caught breaching safety guidelines between May 29 and September 20.

The UAE attorney general first started issuing penalties for flouting Covid-19 guidelines on March 27.

Security teams on bicycles, boats, motorcycles and cars, as well as beach patrols and drones, are used to ensure people abide by the rules in the emirate.

"Drones are equipped with high-tech cameras that can zone in on wide areas during day or night," Col Saeed Al Madhani, director of Ports Police Station in Dubai, told The National last month.

“They also have loudspeakers to broadcast any messages Dubai Police wishes to convey to the public, especially in coastal areas.”

Col Al Madhani urged beachgoers to avoid gatherings and wear face masks.

“Non-compliance with public safety measures will be dealt with according to law,” he said.

'Operation Mincemeat' 

Director: John Madden 

 

Cast: Colin Firth, Matthew Macfayden, Kelly Macdonald and Penelope Wilton

 

Rating: 4/5

 
PROFILE OF SWVL

Started: April 2017

Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport

Size: 450 employees

Investment: approximately $80 million

Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets