There will be penalties for rule-breakers…

The year 2020 has certainly been a strange one, with many unprecedented rules in place to ensure we’re as safe as possible in the face of COVID-19. If you’re planning on throwing a New Year’s Eve party on December 31, you need to make sure you’re aware of these new rules.

Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has announced a set of precautionary measures for New Year’s Eve celebrations to ring in 2021. A number of fines have been put in place for anyone found to be in violation of the guidelines.

Private family and social gatherings of more than 30 people are prohibited. Any host found in violation of these rules will be fined Dhs50,000. Anyone in attendance of a party violating the max-30 people limit faces a fine of Dhs15,000.

According to a Tweet from Dubai Media Office, inspections are set to be carried out on New Year’s Eve ‘to ensure compliance with preventative measures; violators face legal action and fines.’

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It is also important to note that if you are having a gathering, social distancing guidelines should be observed. This is a rule of one person per four sq. m of venue space.

The Committee also stated that those visiting socially distanced parties should wear a face mask at all times and any elderly people or those with chronic illnesses were advised not to attend these gatherings at all.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as coughing or fever should not attend such gatherings.

Note that these rules apply to private gatherings.

If you’re planning on heading out to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai, here are places to celebrate for less than Dhs500.

Image: Getty