New list of COVID-19 fines in the UAE: All you need to know

Dubai: A new list of fines related to COVID-19 violations was announced by the UAE Attorney General, Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, on August 21.

The list of violations fall under 22 categories, which include violations related to quarantine, social distancing and following COVID-19 related protocol.

Here is the complete list of violations as announced by the UAE Public Prosecution.

Violating requirements for the mandatory hospitalisation of patients.

Violation: Refusal of mandatory hospitalisation for COVID-19 patients or refraining from taking the prescribed treatment despite being informed or not complying with the implementation of this decision at the designated facilities.

(Specialists may report to public authorities to implement this decision).

Fine: Dh50,000

Violation: Failing to adhere to home quarantine and quarantine instructions in private establishments, as well as evading precautionary measures.

Fine: Dh50,000

Violation: Failing to adhere to home quarantine instructions according to the Home Quarantine Guide and to get retested as per health procedures, or refraining from the implementation of such instructions.

Fine: Dh50,000

Violation: Failing to adhere to the quarantine facility instructions, which are determined by the relevant authorities, and getting retested according to health procedures, or refraining from implementing the same.

Fine: Dh50,000

Violation: Evading the implementation of precautionary measures or avoiding quarantine instructions specified by the relevant authorities, including the following:

A. Cheating or providing incorrect information.

B. Deliberately not disclosing the details of individuals coming to the country from abroad or not completing quarantine procedures as required by the relevant authorities.

C. Recruiting workers or domestic servants from abroad and not disclosing their arrival, or not subjecting them to quarantine procedures as required by the relevant authorities.

Fine: Dh50,000

Also, violators shall be subjected to quarantine or be made to complete their quarantine or retest. They shall also pay for the relevant expenses.

Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities or persons responsible for the administration if it was a sole proprietorship, along with the administrative closure for a period not exceeding one month.

Violating home quarantine procedures under the e-tracking system.

Violation: Not registering on the smart application, not carrying the e-tracking device aimed at tracking quarantine cases, or deliberately losing or damaging it.

Fine: Dh10,000

Violators shall pay the value of a lost or damaged e-tracking device.

Violation: Losing or damaging e-tracking devices or the accessories thereof.

Fine: Dh1,000

Violators shall pay the value of a lost or damaged items.

Violation: Hacking applications or systems related to tracking quarantine cases; damaging, deleting or changing the programme/system/relevant website; obtaining related information without permission; attempting any of these actions.

Fine: Dh20,000

Violators shall pay for the related damages.

Violation: Unjustified refraining from notifying the call centre for the loss or damage of the e-tracking device after 24 hours from the time the connection had been lost with the quarantined person.

Fine: Dh10,000

Non-compliance with the guidelines related to the opening and closure of facilities, as well as operating or suspending tourist maritime trips.

Violations

1. Non-compliance with the instructions related to closing or opening educational institutions, cinemas, sports, amusement parks, commercial centres, shopping centres, markets, shops, gardens, parks, cafes, restaurants, beaches, sports training centres, public swimming pools, hotel swimming pools and similar facilities.

2. Non-compliance with instructions related to organising recreational activities and events held in closed areas within establishments and centres referred to in the previous paragraph.

3. Non-compliance with the instructions related to receiving guests at any organisation, establishment or centre as referred to in provision 3.1 of this decision.

4. The provisions of the previous clauses shall apply to establishments and lands if they change their activities for purposes other than the originally intended, without violating any measures stipulated in other laws or decisions.

Fine: Dh50,000

for shopping malls

Dh30,000

for other facilities.

Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities in charge of administration in case the establishment is a sole proprietorship, along with closure for a period not exceeding one month.

Violation: Non-compliance with placing posters explaining that the service providers in the facilities and centres, which are referred to in provision 3.1 of this resolution, have completed the approved vaccination or that they are regularly taking PCR tests.

Fine: Dh5,000

for each violation. Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities representing the administration in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Violation: Violating the precautionary measures and guidelines adopted by the relevant authorities related to operating or suspending tourist maritime trips.

Fine: Dh10,000

Violation: Establishments and companies violating precautionary measures and guidelines, which have been decided by the relevant authorities regarding the following:

a. Failure of the establishment /facility to report about the workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 to health authorities despite the person in charge of the facility being aware of the case.

Fine: Dh20,000

Violators shall cover the expenses of medical treatments for the workers having the virus.

b. Organising quarantine areas in private establishments.

Fine: Dh20,000

c. Performing regular PCR tests for workers or service providers during the period decided by the relevant authorities.

Fine: Dh10,000

Fines shall be imposed on the legal representing the personalities administration in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Violations related to holding gatherings, meetings and celebrations.

Violations:

Violating the resolutions or instructions issued by the relevant authorities regarding the following:

a. Preventing or restricting gatherings and meetings inside houses, lounges, ranches, chalets, yachts, shops, or open areas inside residential complexes.

Fine: Dh10,000 for organisers, Dh5,000 for invitees

b. Organising social events, such as weddings, funerals, parties, seminars, or similar events.

Fine: Dh50,000 for organisers, Dh15,000 for invitees

c. Violating the instructions related to allowing a certain number of invitees, social distancing rules, any or precautionary measures relevant to organising events.

Fine: Dh10,000 for organisers

Violation: Violating the instructions established by the relevant authorities, regarding accommodating a group of people in one flat or residential unit, or accommodating workers in unlicensed places, without violating other provisions in other laws or decisions.

Fine: Dh20,000

Fines shall be imposed on the owner of a flat or real estate, or the person responsible for the administration thereof.

Violating precautionary measures related to individuals entering the country from abroad.

Violation: Violating the measures of relevant health authorities for individuals entering the country from abroad.

Fine: Dh5,000

Non-compliance with health measures preventing the spread of the COVID-19.

Violation: Non-implementation of adequate health measures at markets exempted from temporary closure.

Fine: Dh3,000

Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities representing the administration in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Violation: Non-implementation of an order to remove temporary structures or destroying luggage, clothing or other items proven to be contaminated or likely to be contaminated by any pathogen without the possibility of disinfecting them through the followed methods.

Fine: Dh3,000

Violation: Hospitals, health centres and accredited laboratories non-compliance with providing immediate connection with COVID-related data, according to the instructions of relevant authorities.

Fine: Dh20,000

Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities representing the administration in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Violation: Violating the instructions of relevant authorities, regarding cleaning and sterilising equipment, devices and machines inside establishments, or equipment and tools in contact with food, without violating other provisions in other laws or decisions.

Fine: 5,000

Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities representing the administration, in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Violation: Violating the instructions of relevant authorities related to health and personal hygiene practices for the workers in the establishments or places of shared housing for workers.

Fine: Dh1,000

Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities representing the administration in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Fine: Dh1,000

for violating workers.

Violation: Violating the instructions of relevant authorities, regarding the use of chemicals for cleaning, sterilising materials and pesticides.

Fine: Dh1,000

Violation: Violating the instructions of relevant authorities related to preventive measures or health instructions through displaying, transporting or storing food, health supplies, veterinary materials, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, pesticides and similar products.

Fine: Dh1,000

Violation: Violating the instructions of relevant authorities, regarding maintaining safety and health against communicable diseases.

Fine: Dh1,000

Non-compliance with precautionary instructions related to sheltering ship crew.

Violation: Ship commanders or maritime agents not adhering/implementing precautionary measures for the crew of their ships, where appropriate.

Fine: Dh10,000

Violating the rules related to burying or transporting bodies of the individuals who died as a result of a communicable disease

Violation: Violating the executive regulations of the Communicable Diseases Law related to the burial and transportation of the bodies the individuals who died as a result of a communicable disease.

Fine: Dh5,000

Violation: Exceeding the allowed number of passengers in one vehicle:

a. Motorcycles (driver only)

b. Pickup trucks (driver and one passenger)

c. Other vehicles (driver and two passengers)

The following exceptions are applicable:

1) Family members and their domestic servants.

2) Second-degree relatives.

Fine: Dh3,000 for vehicle drivers

Violation: Using vehicles to transport goods or other items contrary to the purpose identified in the licence.

Fine: Dh5,000

for vehicle drivers, along with impounding. The vehicle for a period not exceeding one month.

Not wearing face masks or adhering to social distancing rules.

Violations:

Non-compliance with the requirements related to wearing medical or fabric face masks in the following instances:

a. Entering enclosed public spaces, shopping malls and public transportation.

Fine: Dh3,000

b. Walking in crowded open places.

Fine: Dh3,000

c. In private transportation, excluding the following cases:

1. If only the driver was in the vehicle.

2. Family members and their domestic servants.

3. Second-degree relatives.

Fine: Dh3,000

d. Workplaces and shared housing for workers.

Fine: Dh5,000

Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities representing the administration in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Dh500

for the violating customer or worker.

Violation: Not following social distancing rules as decided by the relevant authorities.

Fine: Dh3,000

Violation: Violating precautionary measures in establishments, facilities and centres (stated in provision 3.1) and that includes:

a. Non-installation of thermal cameras.

b. Non-compliance with an establishment's capacity.

c. non-observation of social distancing measures.

d. Allowing overcrowding.

Fine: Dh20,000

for shopping malls or similar

Dh10,000

for other facilities.

Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities representing the administration in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Violation: Violating preventive measures or guidelines related to the maximum number of persons allowed to exercise sports, entertainment activities at open areas or hotel beaches, and while gathering or strolling at public parks or gardens.

Fine: Dh3,000

Fines shall be imposed on violators, and in the case of facilities, fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities representing the administration in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Violation: Non-compliance with the occupancy rate of facilities or companies in terms of the number of indoor workers, as determined by the relevant authorities.

Fine: Dh3,000

Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities. representing the administration in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Not sanitising transportation vehicles

Violation: Non-compliance with the requirements covering public and private transport.

Fine: Dh5,000

Fines shall be imposed on the legal personalities representing the administration in case it is a sole proprietorship.

Violation: Non-compliance with the instructions prohibiting visits to health facilities during unnecessary conditions, as instructed and decided by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Fine: Dh1,000

Refusing to undergo medical tests or misusing the right to get tested.

Violation: Refusing or refraining from undergoing regular PCR tests on set dates or upon the request of relevant authorities.

Fine: Dh5,000

Violation: Not retesting for COVID-19 within two weeks or upon the request of relevant authorities in government health labs, or undergoing testing without need or request.

Fine: Dh1,000

Going outside during publicly-announced curfew.

Violation: Going out or travelling during curfew hours announced by the relevant authorities, excluding workers in vital sectors.

Fine: Dh3,000

Medical, technical and administrative staff of public and private health establishments are considered workers in vital sectors and are excluded from this clause.

Violation: Transporting people using all methods of transport in violation of conditions, controls and transportation times announced by the relevant authorities.

Fine: Dh5,000

for drivers, along with impounding the vehicle for a period not exceeding one month, excluding government vehicles.

Violating provisions related to transportation of workers between the country's emirates or non-compliance with precautionary measures covering transportation.

Violation: Violating provisions related to transporting workers between the country's emirates, excluding the exempted categories.

Fine: Dh10,000

for those responsible for the company or the facility/vehicle driver, in case it is a private vehicle, along with vehicle seizure for a period not exceeding one month.

Violation: Non-compliance with the precautionary measures related to transporting exempted categories of workers between the country's emirates or to different areas of one emirate in terms of:

a. Violating the vehicle capacity (half capacity/half the number of seats).

b. Not wearing face masks or social distancing (2 metres).

Fine: Dh5,000

For the company or the establishment responsible

Dh5,000

For the company or the establishment responsible.

Dh500

For workers.

Private Teaching (Private Lessons)

a. Conducting private teaching (private classes) through direct contact (personal meetings) in public or private places or through home visits with or without fees for all educational levels, or allowing to provide or organise private classes, or helping to teach in the same.

b. The prohibition also includes private sports activities (individual or group sessions) without obtaining permission from the relevant authorities.

Dh30,000

for violations 1 or 2 if providing or organising private classes, or helping to teach in the same.

Dh20,000

for violations 1 and 2 for persons responsible for the places where the sessions take place.

Violations of the personal data protection for the people infected with COVID19- or those who are treated or tested

Violation: Collecting, copying, broadcasting, disclosing, publishing, transferring or circulating health information of COVID19 patients or those who are treated or tested by health authorities; or deleting, destroying or changing any relevant information.

Fine: Dh20,000

Violation: Violating the information security standards adopted by governmental or private health facilities.

Fine: Dh5,000

Violation: Changing, modifying or creating data or information in messages, reports or the results related to COVID19- tests conducted by licenced public or private health authorities, or using relevant information with the intent of evading the decisions, measures and instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

Fine: Dh10,000

The fine shall be doubled if the violation is repeated.

Non-compliance with the orders of judicial officers or evading precautionary measures.

Violation: Non-compliance or evading judicial officers or their assistants when stopped by them to ensure precautionary measures are respected.

Fine: Dh10,000

Along with impounding the vehicle for a period not exceeding a month.

Violation: Illegal entry into or attempting to enter areas subject to certain controls by the relevant authorities for the purpose of evading precautionary measures.

Fine: Dh5,000

For violators.

Fine: Dh10,000

For drivers who helped others to commit the violation, along with impounding the vehicle for a period not exceeding a month.

Violating temporary entry instructions by transport for commercial purposes.

Violation: Violating the instructions of the relevant authorities on the persons authorised to enter the country temporarily by means of transport for commercial purposes, or not leaving within the specified period without an acceptable excuse.

Fine: Dh5,000

For either violation, along with impounding the vehicle for a period not exceeding a month. The fine shall be doubled if the violation is repeated.

Promoting or publishing misleading information or incorrect health information or precautionary measures.

Violation: Promoting or publishing misleading news, information or rumours about health information related to the COVID19 pandemic or the precautionary measures implemented by the relevant authorities, or encouraging people to not comply with these measures or attempting to ridicule such measures.

Fine: Dh20,000

Promoting or publishing misleading information or incorrect health information or precautionary measures.

Violation: The practice or promotion by any natural or legal person of conducting medical tests or taking or receiving samples to detect COVID19- without obtaining approval from relevant authorities.

Fine: Dh20,000

Fines shall be imposed on natural or legal persons or the person in charge of administration in case the establishment is an individual company.

Fines shall be doubled if the violation is repeated.

The establishment shall be closed down for three months that may be extended.

The breach, negligence, omission or failure to carry out the duties and instructions assigned or issued by the relevant authorities.

Violation: Any person who neglects, ignores or refrains from conducting the duties or instructions assigned or issued by the relevant authorities regarding measures aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fine: Dh20,000