Coronavirus: 8 detained in UAE over wedding parties that flouted Covid rules

The parties saw attendees mingle without masks and maintaining a safe social distance from one another.

Eight people have been detained in the UAE for organising wedding ceremonies that hosted guests who were not first-degree relatives. The wedding ceremonies in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah saw attendees mingle without masks and maintaining a safe social distance from one another.
The party organisers, who are under detention pending an investigation, now face thousands of dirhams in fines and imprisonment. Failing to abide by precautionary measures is punishable by a Dh100,000 fine and/or a six-month imprisonment.
According to the Emergency and Crisis Prosecution Office (ECPO) at the Federal Public Prosecution, such wedding ceremonies are banned as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19.
The prosecution stressed that it will take legal action against anyone found flouting safety rules that were put in place to keep residents safe from the pandemic.
As Khaleej Times reported last week, an Asian groom was arrested in Ras Al Khaimah and referred to the ECPO after he posted videos on social media showing how he and his guests violated the protocols as they gathered at a banquet hall. Days prior to this incident, a groom, his father and the father of the bride were referred to ECPO after they organised a wedding party at their home.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) had said on Friday that family events must not have more than 10 people in attendance. Such events must be restricted to first-degree relatives only.

• Abu Dhabi