UAE inspectors threaten strict penalties for those caught littering

ABU DHABI // Municipal inspectors across the seven emirates have repeatedly warned that they would impose strict penalties on litterbugs caught polluting the environment and tarnishing the country’s parks and coastlines.

On its website, Dubai Municipality said it enforced strict regulations when it came to littering.

“While the municipality does its role, the public is required by law to keep the city litter-free,” a statement read.

“Local Order 11 of 2003 Public Cleanliness in the Emirate of Dubai empowers Dubai Municipality for violations. Littering and improper waste disposal will lead to fines from Dh200 to Dh5,000.”

The municipality urged citizens to help keep the emirate clean by always keeping a small bag for waste in their cars, to report any incident that affects cleanliness and by helping participate in volunteer clean-up campaigns to raise public awareness.

In Abu Dhabi, laws against littering and spoiling the city’s beauty are also strict. Previous campaigns by the municipality included the My Parks initiative, which aimed to encourage social responsibility for maintaining public parks and keeping the green places litter-free.

Similar policies are in place across the Northern Emirates.

Last year, Fujairah Municipality sent workers to stop labourers from dumping rubbish in Murbah after residents voiced their concerns. The municipality has also joined forces with Clean-Up UAE campaigns to keep the eastern emirate free of litter.

In Ras Al Khaimah, the municipality has warned stiff penalties including heavy fines and prison sentences will be imposed on those who break environmental laws. Sharjah Municipality has a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to littering and has warned that spitting in the street or throwing litter from a car window can carry a Dh500 fine.

In Ajman, officials have warned that people caught dropping litter on beaches or on the Corniche would face fines of up to Dh10,000 as part of plans to keep the emirate’s beauty spots free of rubbish. Clean-up patrols have also hit the beaches of Umm Al Quwain.

Several municipalities were unavailable for comment.

newsdesk@thenational.ae