UAE: People including expats should pay attention to this warning to avoid hefty fines during summer vacation

DUBAI: It is summer vacation now in the UAE. Keeping the house and surroundings safe is everyone's top priority when venturing out with family and kids. However, people who do not pay attention to one particular warning issued by the authorities may soon find themselves the recipient of a fine notice from the municipal authorities. According to the warning, anyone found driving around with a dirty automobile during the summer will face stiff fines.

Several people had received fines for leaving their cars looking dirty in public parking spaces during the previous summer vacation. As a result, many people, including expats, are now taking precautionary steps to avoid fines. One such person is Sharjah resident Hadi Amani. Amani told Khaleej Times that he will be going to his home in Iran for 20 days during the summer vacation.

"I have hired a cleaner to maintain my vehicle when I'm away. It's not just about avoiding fines, I always want to keep my car clean," he said.

Another person who received a hefty fine for not keeping his car clean in a public place during the summer vacation season is Egypt native Abdul Rahman Eltahir, who lives in Dubai.

"I was shocked when I returned home after the summer vacation. I received a fine of Dh500 for not keeping my car clean in a public place. I had parked the car near my house. However, there was no one to take care of it," he said.

Last year, authorities in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region had intensified inspections to remove cars abandoned in parking lots and public places. Some people, including expats, who returned from long holidays had received fines of up to Dh3000 for leaving their cars looking dirty in public places.

A municipal official said that it is essential for owners to keep their cars clean and follow the rules to prevent health hazards and not tarnish the aesthetic appearance of the city.