UAE launches campaign on dangers of fireworks

The UAE's Ministry of Interior announced the launch of a campaign under the slogan, ‘Ensuring Child Safety during Eid', to raise awareness on the dangers of fireworks, especially among children and teenagers.

Colonel Eisa Saeed Al Shamesi, Head of the Weapons and Explosives Department at the Directorate General of the Federal Criminal Police, said that fireworks can pose a risk to individuals and even properties.

"[Fireworks] cause deaths, burns and disfigurement, as well as permanent disabilities. They also cause environmental pollution and fires, thus threatening the safety of community members and their property. Moreover, the loud noise of firecrackers may cause fear and have a dangerous psychological impact on people,” he said.

Al Shamesi added that there was ongoing cooperation with police across the country in order to prevent the illicit sale of consumer fireworks. He also highlighted crackdown campaigns and awareness drives by the police, especially during national holidays and times of celebration such as the upcoming Eid Al Fitr.

The sale of fireworks without a licence is punishable by law, according to Article 65 of the Law of Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives. Anyone who sells, imports, exports, manufactures, or brings fireworks into the country without a licence faces prison time of up to six months, and a fine of Dh10,000.

Al Shamesi urged families to educate their children about the dangers of fireworks, and to advise them to avoid using and sharing these.