By Xinhua
Abu Dhabi : Local municipalities in Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have decided to impose a fine on those caught spitting in the streets and public places, local newspaper Khaleej Times reported on Friday.
The fine imposed by municipalities of Abu Dhabi city, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate and Al Ain, a city in the emirate’s eastern part, will be 100 dirhams (27.25 U.S. dollars).
The move is aimed at protecting the community from unhygienic practices as spitting in the streets and floors of public places in the emirates have become a problem, Omar Al Hashimi, Director of the emirate’s Department of Municipal Service Affairs, was quoted as saying.
Those spitting in the streets and public places will be required to pay the fines on the spot if caught by the municipal inspectors, Hashimi said.
In case the violator, particularly taxi drivers and other motorists or pedestrians, are unable to pay on-the-spot fine, inspectors will seize their driving license or work permit which will be returned only on payment of fine, he added.
Spread over 87,340 square kilometers, Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates which make up the UAE and accounts for more than 85 percent of the country’s total landmass.