UAE- No more barbecue on beach sand in Ras Al Khaimah

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Barbecue lovers will no longer be able to prepare their favourite dishes on beach sand in Ras Al Khaimah. The department of public services has banned the practice to protect the environment, a senior official said.

Ahmed Al Hammadi, director-general of the department, said the move will help keep the coasts and beaches of the emirate clean. "The decision will also help protect the local environment and the scenic view of the coasts here."

Many beach-goers leave behind charcoal and waste after a barbecue session, he added. "This is not acceptable any more. Anyone caught doing this shall be strictly penalised."

A fine of Dh500 is slapped on those found littering in public places.

Barbecue is not banned on public beaches, Al Hammadi clarified. "It is only banned on the sands of beaches and coasts of the emirate." He urged residents to not leave behind barbecue waste on beach sand.

The department of public works has added this practice to its list of environmental violations, he said. Staff inspectors of the Raqib patrols will be watching over the beaches to curb anti-environment violations, he warned.

Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.