Khaleej Times, Thursday, Mar 09, 2023 | Sha'ban 17, 1444
Dh50,000 fine in UAE: New penalty announced for violators of mountaineering rules
Emirates:
A fine of Dh50,000 will be imposed on anyone who violates mountaineering
regulations and causes danger to lives of others, according to a decision taken
by the Fujairah Adventure Center (FAC).
This decision, which came into effect on March 1, comes as an increasing number
cases of people getting lost on mountains have been reported recently. It covers
three categories of people - mountaineers who walk on foot in rugged areas,
organisers of mountain adventure trips, and approved tourism companies.
Amr Zainuddin, the director of the Fujairah Adventure Center, said that four
inspectors have been appointed in cooperation with residents of the mountainous
regions, who will join them in monitoring violations on 10 mountain paths in the
emirate.
Zainuddin said that the Center conducted an extensive study to organise the
sport of climbing and off-road hiking, which is very popular among amateurs and
tourists. He added the new decision is expected to reduce the percentage of
injuries and rescue operations due to mountain accidents.
The decision stipulates the standards and requirements for climbing the mountain
in the emirate, and appoints a leader for every 10 people, with the aim of
making the journey safe.
The director laid out the details of the inspectors' monitoring duties, which
will be carried out during the morning and evening periods in cooperation with
the people of the region. The regulations they will enforce include preserving
the local environment and respecting the people of mountainous areas, their
customs and traditions. Mountaineers are also required to register before
starting their climb through a code that is placed at the beginning of the
mountain path. This is to allow the people and companies to record the start
time of their activity, which will facilitate the process of organizing trips
and update the number of people who are present on each mountain path.
He pointed out that the Center has developed 10 mountain trails in separate
areas of the emirate by providing service facilities and guide boards that
inform people about the sites they are in.
The decision is also expected to lend more organisation to amateur
mountaineering and tourism companies. It obliges these firms to have commercial
licences issued by the competent authorities in Fujairah or any other emirate.
They are also required to organise first aid course and provide a mountain
leader. This is so that tourism companies can conduct their activity in the
emirate while ensuring that both their customers and employees stay safe.