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Hidden dishes in capital will not be removed: officials

However, they said they would not tolerate dishes that are clearly visibile on rooftops and that they would remove them without any hesitation.

The Municipalities and Agriculture Department is launching a campaign this week for the removal of satellite dishes and, while many residents have been reluctant to obey the new orders, others are not quite sure whether the authorities will go ahead with the removal.

The campaign is being launched in cooperation with Department of Social Services and Commercial Buildings (DSSCB), after a committee comprising officials from the two sides was tasked with carrying out the decision. Circulars were distributed to all residential buildings giving residents ample time to remove their dishes. The Municipalities and Agriculture Department also issued a similar circular to all buildings to either hide or remove the satellite dishes which, it is felt, distort the image of the city. Officials said inspectors from the two departments would confiscate the equipment if residents fail to follow the rules.

"A large percentage of buildings in Abu Dhabi are under DSSCB. The ruling bans visible cables, satellite dishes and antennas on rooftops, balconies and windows. It also applies to private houses and villas. But receiver dishes that are not visible would not be removed," said a DSSCB official.

The department also advised owners of private houses and other buildings to build high rooftop walls so that dishes, water tanks and air-conditioning equipment are not be visible from the outside. Officials said fines would be imposed on those violating the orders.

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