Dubai: A day after British embassies in the UAE urged Britons to respect local laws during the festive season, senior Dubai officials have reiterated that alcohol abuse will not be tolerated.
Dubai police and prosecution officials told Gulf News that no alcohol-related violations will be taken lightly, regardless of the nationalities or circumstances involved.
On Sunday, the British Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai issued a media statement highlighting last week’s awareness campaign calling for British nationals to “have fun during this festive season but to also respect the laws and customs of the [UAE].”
Called ‘12 Days of Christmas’, the campaign was launched on the Embassies’ Facebook and Twitter accounts, urging Brits in the UAE to “enjoy the festive season in an appropriate manner.”
The statement said: “The British Embassies highlighted the need to be aware of the UAE laws and regulations related to buying and consuming alcohol, UAE’s zero tolerance to drink driving, posting photos on social media and to avoid any behaviour that can be labelled as anti-social.”
In the build-up to the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Dubai authorities have warned party-goers against breaking Dubai’s strict alcohol laws.
A top Dubai Police official said anyone found driving after drinking will be prosecuted.
Unlike other places, Dubai does not have a legal blood-alcohol limit. The only acceptable amount of booze in the body is zero.
Major General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, director of Dubai Police’s traffic department, said: “No amount of alcohol or drugs in the blood is allowed while driving. The law is strict regarding drink driving, especially if the offender gets involved in an accident.
“Anyone caught driving under the influence of alcohol will be punished, regardless of their nationality.”
Police said that during last New Year’s revelry a Chinese woman, who had alcohol in her system, was the first one killed in a road accident in Dubai — at 2.30am on the first day of 2013
In separate traffic accidents, another person was killed on day one of 2013 while one sustained serious injuries. Alcohol was involved in all the cases.
Police also fined a number of drivers for getting behind the wheel after drinking.
Another senior official stressed that alcohol abuse will not be taken lightly by authorities, regardless of the circumstances.
Chief Prosecutor Khaled Al Zarouni, of Bur Dubai Prosecution, said residents must respect the law and abide by it — before, during and after New Year’s parties.
“A crime is a crime regardless of when and where it is committed,” said Al Zarouni. “The Penal Law does not stipulate that a crime or a misdemeanour is punishable before, during or after any holiday or any vacation. A punishment is a punishment.”
Al Zafein added that police will maintain zero-tolerance for those who drink and drive. He said anyone suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol will be referred to forensics to check the alcohol amount in their blood, especially if the suspect was involved in a traffic accident.
Al Zafein added that driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous, not just for the motorist but also for other road users, as the drink-driver is “not fully conscious and lacks concentration.”
He went on to explain that driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in many parts of the world because resulting accidents are usually fatal and involve more than one death.
To minimise safety threats, the Dubai Police Traffic Department has prepared a comprehensive plan to ensure the New Year celebrations go smoothly. Patrols will be operating in all areas expected to experience heavy traffic.
Al Zafein said there will also be checkpoints to follow up the traffic movement and deter “errant motorists who ignore traffic rules and behave recklessly.” He called on motorists to avoid committing traffic offences and endangering lives of other road users.
Moreover, Major Gen Mohammad Eid Al Mansouri, director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency at Dubai Police, said police are “always ready and alert to ensure a trouble-free night for all.”
Meanwhile, the Criminal and Investigation Department (CID) of Dubai police will also be on “maximum alert,” an official added. “Our police patrols from all police stations have been alerted to secure the events during the New Year, which we want to make sure that they will go on very smoothly and securely with no problems,” the official said.
— With inputs from Faisal Masudi, Staff Reporter
