Students have expressed their love for the milk’s taste, with many noting that their families also purchase it for home use
uae12 hours ago
[Editor's note: This article was originally published in May 2023. It is being re-shared to remind residents of the dangers and traffic violations associated with unstable weather, as the UAE faces heavy rains and thunderstorms today.]
Waterfalls, rain-fed lakes and streams gushing down mountains are among the beautiful sights the UAE witnesses when the heavens open up.
However, under the beauty of flooded valleys lurk dangers of water currents that can sweep vehicles and people away. To deter the so-called ‘storm chasers’ — who deliberately venture out to areas that are prone to flash floods — the UAE has now prohibited valley drives. The country’s Ministry of Interior recently announced stiffer penalties for traffic violations that pose a risk to lives during rains and adverse weather conditions.
Based on Khaleej Times research, there are now 10 weather-related traffic violations that come with fines of up to Dh2,000, 23 black points and confiscation of vehicles for two months:
>> Taking photos or videos of rain or fog while driving: Dh800 fine, four black points
Police forces have reiterated multiple times that motorists must focus only on the task at hand: Driving. They must resist the urge to click a photo or take a video no matter how beautiful the scenery is. Doing so is classified under ‘distracted driving’.
>> Driving dangerously: Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points and 60-day confiscation
Earlier this year, the Dubai Police seized 90 vehicles whose drivers were caught performing stunts in the rain. This was among the many instances of motorists driving dangerously during adverse weather conditions.
>> Driving with hazard lights on: Dh500 fine, four black points
Some motorists switch on their hazard lights when driving in foggy or rainy conditions. However, this causes confusion on the roads.
>> Driving in the fog without lights: Dh500 fine, 4 black points
>> Driving in the fog despite official instructions not to: Dh500 fine, 4 black points
When foul weather affects visibility, police forces ban the movement of some vehicles — typically trucks and buses.
>> Failure to follow instructions issued by a policeman: Dh400 fine, four black points
>> Fleeing when a policeman asks a motorist to stop: Dh800 fine, 12 black points
ALSO READ:
The following are the latest additions to the list of fines:
>> Gathering near valleys, flooded areas and dams during rainy weather: Dh1,000 fine, six black points
Many UAE residents drive to valleys to experience or film flooded valleys and dams without realising how dangerous the practice is. The new fine is expected to deter such motorists.
>> Entering flooded valleys, regardless of their level of danger: Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points, 60-day confiscation of vehicles
Some motorists drive into valleys flooded with rainwater gushing off mountains. Many have been caught in the strong currents, with vehicles getting swept away.
>> Obstructing the relevant authorities from regulating traffic; or ambulance and rescue vehicles during emergencies, disasters, crises and rains; and in flooded valleys: Dh1,000 fine, four black points, 60-day confiscation of vehicles.
Students have expressed their love for the milk’s taste, with many noting that their families also purchase it for home use
uae12 hours ago
People across the country can watch it live on December 2 on local TV channels, cinemas and selected public areas
uae15 hours ago
The tremors were not felt by UAE residents despite the country's close proximity to Iran
uae18 hours ago
He was a founding member of the Dubai chapter of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and once served as general manager of Khaleej Times
uae20 hours ago
No casualties were reported by authorities in Aurora province, but thousands of homes were damaged, and heavy losses were sustained
uae20 hours ago
Omar Al Marzooqi is determined to qualify for the 2025 World Cup in Switzerland; his next big goal is the 2028 Olympics
uae22 hours ago
Tamim Al Tamimi had some of his shots displayed at Duroor Nights, an event that celebrated the Duroor system and its profound impact on Emirati life, in Ras Al Khaimah
uae22 hours ago
The budget covers UAE-themed decorations, cash prizes, Emirati-themed photo corner, and giveaways such as chocolates and perfumes
uae22 hours ago