Vandals, watch out: Changes to Abu Dhabi’s General Appearance Law takes effect

Vandals and vagrants creating an eyesore in Abu Dhabi are expected to be penalized as Abu Dhabi enforces its amended General Appearance Law on Tuesday (July 12). According to the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the amended law is aimed at maintaining the public health and promoting the well-being of residents in Abu Dhabi. The law prohibits “any activity that adversely affects the general appearance (cultural or architectural) of public areas in the emirate, including its green spaces, walkways, buildings, marketplaces and public roads”. It also bans “any interference with efforts to promote an environment of tranquility in public areas, including noise or any behaviour that disturbs freedom ad daily lives”. "The amended General Appearance Law provide clear direction for DMT to implement the stipulations set for protecting the appearance of the emirate and to monitor and control irregularities,” said Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of DMT. Under the amended law, statutory fines for violators have been changed into administrative fines that will be directly enforced by the municipality instead of the public prosecution. The DMT will determine the value of the fine, depending on the severity of the violation. Violators are also offered settlements where they must pay the equivalent of 75 percent of the administrative fine within 60 days from committing the violation. Violators are also obligated to remove the effects of their violation within a stipulated time frame, otherwise the municipality will remove the infractions at the violator’s expense. The amendment modifies the functional conditions for implementing the legislation and the executive decisions issued in accordance with it. It also allows violators to file grievances regarding violations with the relevant municipal administration to ensure justice prevails and safeguard their rights. ICA/Expat Media
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