On Sunday, Al Ain Municipality clamped a ban on barbecues at Jebel Hafeet, after numerous violations by people visiting the area were found.

The municipality pointed out that some of the visitors burned wooden seats and benches at the mountain, while disposing the used charcoal and garbage in the parking area, which is difficult to clean up.

Residents will still be able to set up barbecues in open and desert areas, as well as Al Sulaimi and Al Mebrazah parks. Officials confirmed that inspectors will comb the area to ensure no violations take place. Violators will invite fines.

Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah had issued similar rules for barbequing and setting up of bonfires.

Jebel Jais has dedicated barbeque pits installed, which are ready to use. If residents are found barbequing outside the specified areas, they risk facing a fine.

Visitors are allowed to enjoy winter barbeque gatherings with their friends and families as long as these are in the areas specified for that purpose in public parks across the country.

People, however, are not allowed to set up barbeques on public beaches, unless there are dedicated pits earmarked for it.

Earlier last year, the Dubai Municipality installed signboards banning camping and barbecuing in Al Qudra Lake. However, officials later clarified that barbecuing and bonfires are allowed, as long as they are done appropriately while abiding by the rules and regulations.

People can light fires in a pot or a barbecue pan, but not directly on sand.

The municipality had issued the rules after it was found that the residents were misusing and polluting the reserve that is home to over 175 bird species.

Officials noted that cleaners would collect up to 40 tonnes of waste on weekends as a result of haphazard camping and reckless barbecuing habits.

The municipality teams continue to carry out inspections to monitor and maintain the cleanliness standards.

Residents caught throwing waste or being involved in any activity that may harm the environment are fined.

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