Dubai: Dubai Police has insisted that sports fans comply with Federal Law No. 8 of 2014 concerning the security of sports facilities and events. The Force has also warned against using hazardous materials, fireworks, or flammable substances in stadiums, as these can endanger the lives of fans, players, officials, and everyone in the vicinity of sports venues.

 

This warning follows recent incidents in which Dubai Police caught fans at several football matches for using marine distress signals, which posed a serious threat to everyone present at these sporting events.

 

Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs, highlighted the preparedness of police personnel from various units—such as security teams, special operations, traffic patrols, and mounted units—to ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans at all matches. He emphasized that they would respond decisively to any breaches of stadium security.

 

Al Ghaithi also stated that Dubai Police will hold anyone who breaks the law accountable, underlining their commitment to the safety and security of sports venues. He assured that the police would do everything possible to secure the stadiums and the audience, both inside and outside, while safeguarding vehicles and providing all necessary services before, during, and after the matches.

He called on fans to display sportsmanship and comply with the law while cheering, reflecting the outstanding image of the UAE and the high standards it has achieved in organizing sporting events.

 

Al Ghaithi noted that Articles 4 and 5 of Federal Law No. 8 of 2014 concerning the security of sports facilities and events outline the responsibilities of sports spectators and the penalties for failing to meet these obligations.

He emphasized that, according to Article 17, the sports audience shall comply with the following:

 

• They shall not enter onto the playground itself or the special area of the Sports Event without permission.

• They shall not take with them or acquire any prohibited or dangerous substances, particularly fireworks, to the Sports Facility or to the place where the Sports Event is conducted. 

• They shall not breach the conditions governing carrying or acquiring weapons in the Sports Facility or during conducting the Sports Event. Such conditions shall be issued by a decision the Minister makes.

 

In addition, Al Ghaithi stated, “Any person who fails to comply with the obligations mentioned above shall be sentenced to a minimum imprisonment term of one month and a maximum of three months, and/or a fine ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 30,000.”

 

Al Ghaithi explained that anyone who commits, participates in, incites, or attempts acts of violence, including throwing any substances or liquids of any kind toward another spectator or in the area surrounding the stadium—or who utters or writes any insulting language, makes any offensive gestures, expresses statements of a racial nature during the conduct of the sports event, or uses the playground for political purposes—shall be sentenced to imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from a minimum of AED 10,000 to a maximum of AED 30,000.