Sharjah: The Sharjah Economic Development Department has fined 43 internet cafes and closed down several of them for noncompliance with standards set by the department.
The Sharjah Economic Development Department's (SEDD) Commercial Protection and Inspection Section has been carrying out inspections on a regular basis to make sure that all the commercial activities abide by the applicable terms and conditions.
Ali Bin Salem Al Mahmoud, Sharjah Economic Development Department General Manager, said: "We are keen to fulfil our role in protecting the economy and implementing the conditions for business practice and activities that should be in accordance with the laws and regulations in the UAE.
"We have dedicated teams of inspectors who visit all the commercial premises in the emirate to ensure that they are adhering to the terms and conditions.
"We visited internet cafes and found 43 of them violating the conditions of providing internet services in the emirate. Actions taken ranged from fining the violaters to the actual closure of the premise - so as to set an example to those who may violate the economic regulations. We will not be flexible with such cases."
The terms and conditions of providing internet services in Sharjah stipulate that the premises should be on a main road, or inside an open trading compound. These should be a storey high, unless it is located in a multi-storey trading compound, and to have spacious areas for sitting and reception.
Age bar
The facade of the shop must be made of transparent glass. There is an age restriction for internet users in these public places, and the internet cafe owner must follow the official working hours.
