A higher panel has discussed a proposal to allocate private areas for families on Dubai beaches, including those in the Jumeirah area which are frequented by people for swimming.

The Supreme Committee of Maritime Affairs in the Emirate of Dubai also discussed proposals for development of necessary infrastructure on the beaches.

Lieutenant-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Vice-President of Police and Public Security in Dubai, stressed the need for zero tolerance against the vessels and fishing boats that deliberately pollute the marine environment, in violation of rules and regulations. He said that this should include imposing black points and fines on cruise ships in the Dubai Creek that commits violations related to safety and pollution.

The meeting was attended by Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of the Dubai Municipality; Ahmed Mahboob Musabah, Director-General of Dubai Customs; Dr Loay Belhoul, Director-General of the Department of Legal Affairs of the Government of Dubai; Major-General Pilot Ahmed Mohammad bin Thani, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police for Ports; Amer Ali, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority; and Lieutenant Colonel Rashid Thani Al Muhairi, head of the Maritime Security Section at the Dubai Police.

Major-General Pilot Ahmed Mohammad bin Thani, emphasised the need to preserve the marine environment from pollution through intensified supervision and joint inspection tours by the Dubai Police, Dubai Maritime City Authority and the Dubai Municipality.

The committee also discussed the safety measures being taken while loading and transferring diesel in the creek and while emptying the vessels to avoid fire incidents and fuel leaks. The committee also stressed the need to put strict controls to prevent any such accidents in the creek.