Dubai Municipality fined more than 250 hotels and issued warnings for another 600 during the first three months of the year.
During the first quarter of the year, more than 250 hotels were fined by the Dubai Municipality, and another 600 were warned. The amount of fines ranges from 1000 to 20,000 dirhams ($ 272 - $ 54.5 thousand).
Hafid Gulum, head of the sanitary control department at the health and safety department, said most violations were due to poor hygiene, cleanliness and pest control.
“A number of violations were related to the presence of insects in the rooms, neglect of changing bed sheets and sheets in accordance with the requirements and fixing of smoking in the lobby,” Gulum said.
The municipality conducted 947 morning and evening inspection trips for a total of 676 hotels.
Officials said fines could double in proportion to the number of violations, but inspectors have issued a warning before. If problems are not resolved before the next inspection, enhanced sanctions apply. Gulum reported that repeated violations have occurred.
Among the important criteria, adequate ventilation and lighting are taken into account in all rooms of hotel rooms and serviced apartments. Air conditioning systems must be in good condition and floors, ceilings, doors and elevators must be clean and free from defects.
“Some violations were also related to the lack of regular maintenance of the building and elevators. Water tanks should be clean, and filters should be replaced frequently, ”Gulum said.
