UAE crackdown sees drop in littering and spitting

The UAE capital Abu Dhabi says it has slashed the dirty problem of spitting and littering after a major crackdown that has seen people hit with on-the-spot fines, daily newspaper Khaleej Times reported on Monday.

Littering and spitting violations have dropped respectively from 509 to 280 and 99 to 88 from April to May, the report stated, quoting Khalifa Mohammad Al Rumaithi, director of public health at the Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM).

“We think this is the initial indicator for the success of the campaign,” said Al Rumaithi. “These numbers encourage the persistent follow-up of the campaign, and we are sure this will make a huge difference to the city’s image and the beautification of the pathways and the public platforms in Abu Dhabi.”

The most common problem are spitting paan (betel leaves) and gutka (a tobacco and nuts mixture), which leave red stains when spat out. The stains have become a problem through certain parts of the city, where walls and streets are covered with red marks.

Offenders of the latter face an on-the-spot fine of 500 AED ($136.12). Meanwhile people throwing cigarette butts on the ground must pay 200 AED, while those dropping gum and other rubbish face a 500 AED fine. Those found spitting in public will be hit with a 100 AED charge.