Watch: Dubai Police bust desert party that breached Covid-19 rules

The force issued large fines to the camp operator and party-goers

Dubai Police broke up a desert camp party and fined revellers who ignored coronavirus rules. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai Police shut down a desert camp party where coronavirus safety rules were breached.

Police and Dubai Tourism worked together to break up the gathering.

The camp operator was fined Dh50,000, while each guest had to pay Dh15,000.

Video footage released by Dubai Media office showed a large stage erected in the desert as strobe lighting darted into the skies.

The specific location of the event was not disclosed, nor when it took place.

Police are stepping up efforts to close down gatherings that defy health regulations.

On Sunday, it was announced that Dubai Police had issued Dh50,000 fines to the organisers of a yacht party.

Several people incurred financial penalties after ignoring social distancing regulations and failing to ensure masks were worn during the gathering, said Dubai Media Office.

The licence of the yacht operator was suspended for a month.

Last week, tourism chiefs said tours or parties on yachts would be restricted to 10 people in response to a recent rise in coronavirus cases.

Previously, vessels were allowed to sail at 50 per cent capacity.

Dubai Economy has carried out extensive sweeps of businesses for several months to ensure they are abiding by precautionary measures.

The UAE has recorded a significant rise in coronavirus infections since the turn of the year.

Case numbers have risen from about 1,000 to day to a daily average of more than 3,000.

Coronavirus in the UAE:

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  A Covid-19 vaccination centre in Dubai's International Financial Centre district. AFP

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  A masked falconer entertains tourists at Dubai's historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood. AFP

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  Cove Beach at Caesars Palace, Dubai. Reuters

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  Fitness enthusiasts in Dubai return to gyms as Covid-19 restrictions ease. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Coronavirus vaccine shipment arrives at Dubai International Airport. AFP

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  The number of joggers has increased steadily along Dubai's Palm Jumeirah island in recent months. EPA

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  A nationwide vaccination and screening drive in Dubai has been credited for helping to limit the spread of Covid-19. Dubai Media Office

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  Temperature scanners at Dubai International Airport are one of several measures introduced by the emirate to help detect Covid-19 among travellers. AP