DUBAI // Car parades, one of the most popular ways in which Emiratis enjoy celebrating the National Day, have been banned by Dubai police.
Any driver taking part in a parade will have their vehicle confiscated on the spot.
The ban has been imposed in an attempt to prevent what police have described as an annual frenzy of reckless driving and dangerous, illegal stunts.
"These parades have become an excuse to carry out unacceptable behaviour and create chaos on the roads," said Maj Gen Mohammed Saif Al Zaffin, the head of Dubai Police traffic department.
Last year, Dubai Police fined 1,245 drivers and confiscated about 1,000 vehicles for creating chaos during the two-day holiday. There were 24 accidents during that time, and one death.
"The ban will be applied on everyone - individuals, companies and government entities.
"Authorities will not license any car parade to celebrate National Day," said Maj Gen Al Zaffin. "We invite people to celebrate in other ways. They can have marching parades - but driving cars is completely banned."
Anyone caught taking part in a car parade will have their vehicle confiscated for about eight hours.
Those caught driving recklessly will have their vehicles impounded for up to six months.
