The Dubai Municipality may as well bring into effect what it has been considering for a while — penalising individuals who litter the scenic Dubai Creek with a hefty sum of Dh500. Doing this will probably be more of a deterrent than respectfully urging the public to follow the rules of not littering. The municipality’s repeated campaigns informing the public on the importance of keeping the creek clean are unfortunately not bearing fruit. And the blame for this falls entirely on the public who are not only insensitive to the authorities’ appeal but also seem to lack an intrinsic responsibility of helping keep the Dubai Creek clean.
Dubai is bidding to have this landmark declared a Unesco World Heritage site and deservedly so. It’s an invaluable slice of heritage, an aesthetic treasure that deserves our complete appreciation and support. Every individual who visits the creek — to be transported across it or to simply enjoy the beauty and the enjoyment it affords — must therefore show responsibility and contribute to its health and unblemished appearance.
Any despoiling of this beautiful site is a reflection of our inexcusable apathy, which deserves punishment.
