Spit and pay 1,000 dirham fine in Dubai

DUBAI: In a major crackdown on litterbugs, authorities here will slap a whopping 1,000 dirham fine on anyone found damaging the appearance of the gleaming Emirate.

Under the new rules, authorities will issue a fine of 1,000 dirham (over Rs 17,000) on those sticking posters, ads and flyers without permission.

New fines introduced include those for causing oil leakage in sea, creek or ports (Dh 3,000) and dumping pesticide cans in municipal garbage containers (Dh 5,000).

Dubai introduced these new fines and hiked some of the existing ones in a major crackdown on litterbugs, betel leaf (paan) chewers, spitters and other offenders violating rules on waste management and cleanliness, The Khaleej Times reported.

The amendment in the penalties and fines include wrong disposal of hazardous waste, building and demolition waste and industrial waste. Pursuant to the new resolution, improper disposal of wastewater is subject to a 100,000 dirham (dh) fine.

Betel leaf chewers spitting in public places and people dirtying the streets with unauthorised car washing will also see their wallets lighter as fines for these offences have been hiked to Dh 1,000 and Dh 500 respectively.