COVID-19: Dubai Police arrest two managers, DJ for flouting precautionary measures at a party

Over 100 guests were being entertained with scant regard to social distancing guidelines

Dubai: Dubai Police have arrested two managers of a tourism company and a DJ for organising a party for more than 100 people in an enclosed place, an official said on Monday.

Brigadier Jamal Salem Al Jallaf, Director of Criminal Investigation Department at Dubai Police, said the trio violated the resolution No. 38 of 2020 issued by the UAE’s Attorney General on enforcement of penalties for violations following Cabinet Resolution No. 17 of 2020 to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

“The manager of the tourism company and its marketing director were arrested with the DJ after a video went viral on social media of the party. The organisers, who had not acquired necessary permission from the competent authorities, clearly violated social distancing rules and the announced precautionary measures. They put the lives of many at risk,” Brig Al Jallaf said in a statement.

Stiff penalties

He stated that as per the list of penalties, a fine of Dh10,000 is applicable to whoever invites or organises gatherings, meetings, private and public parties or gatherings in public places and private farms.

“Dubai Police won’t tolerate violators to the announced precautionary measures to curb COVID-19. These measures have been put in place to protect members of the community and curb the pandemic,” Brig Al Jallaf added.

Dubai Police called upon all tourism companies, local businesses and community members to support efforts to limit the spread of the pandemic, maintain social distancing and refrain from organising or attending crowded events that could contribute in spreading the virus.