Dubai Police to post pictures of ‘reckless’ residents; clarifies outdoor exercises not allowed

A Dubai Police official has chastised “reckless” residents who were found flouting and disregarding the country’s stay-at-home directives.

In a radio interview with Dubai Eye 103.8, Colonel Saeed Al Hajeri, director of the police force’s cyber crime division, vowed to publish the photos of the offenders without blurring them.

“We’ve seen many people who are not responsible, they don’t follow the humble request from the government and the media to stay at home. These reckless people are not only not following orders, they also set examples for others to follow their steps,” the director added.

He noted that the government has invested huge amounts in the healthcare infrastructure, seemingly to help curb the spread of the Covid-19 contagion.

Dubai Police have started to name-shame, arrest and jail people who mock the stay home safe campaign on social media. Col. Saeed Al Hajeri, Director of Cyber Crime Dept. @DubaiPoliceHQ confirmed. #DubaiOneTv #stayhome #togetherathome @DubaiEye1038FM @NCEMAUAE #Richardradiodxb pic.twitter.com/aQ5rZMEA8l

— Dubai One (@DubaiOneTV) April 8, 2020

“That is why the leadership decided to take the next level and to publish their photos without blurring them in the media starting this week,” the police officer added.

“This will have serious implications on their future life, they might not get hired for jobs because they are irresponsible,” he further noted.

“People think that it is a [kind of] sense of humour to send some jokes, however this can lead to a snowball effect. It can lead to other people to follow their steps and disrespect the authorities, instructions or the law enforcements.”

“Punishments and fines can go up to Dhs50,000 if some people didn’t obey home quarantine.”

He further dispelled myths about outdoor exercises being permitted during the stay-at-home campaign period.

“Outdoor exercise ISN’T allowed. Be creative; try to come up with home fitness, and there are many resources you can find online,” he added.

Outdoor exercise is NOT allowed during the 24 hour stay home safe campaign Colonel Said Al Hajeri Director of the cyber Crime Dept. CID @DubaiPoliceHQ clarified.#Dubai #UAE #DubaiOneTv #stayhome #togetherathome @DubaiEye1038FM @NCEMAUAE #tomurquhart75 pic.twitter.com/JmY6eta30x

— Dubai One (@DubaiOneTV) April 8, 2020

Dubai extended its sterilisation programme to 24 hours a day, effective April 4 onwards, for a period of two weeks, placing further restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles.

Read: Dubai extends sterilisation drive to 24 hours for two weeks

Since the outbreak, the UAE has reported 2,359 Covid-19 infections and 12 deaths.