A television actress who was detained for flouting Covid-19 safety measures told of her regret after being hit with a Dh10,000 fine.
Mariam Hussein was taken in for questioning by police after footage of her celebrating her birthday party at a restaurant in Dubai circulated online.
The Snapchat video showed her surrounded by partygoers at a venue in the city's financial district.
As The National reported, she was later taken to a police station for questioning on suspicion of breaching strict laws on physical distancing.
Hussein, who lives in Dubai and is Moroccan, said she was given a surprise birthday cake by the restaurant's managers and diners crowded around to take pictures.
"There were no plans for a birthday party, but the restaurant brought me a surprise birthday cake," Hussein told The National.
“Surveillance cameras can confirm that it all went unplanned.
“I am aware of how strict measures are taken against offenders.
"I would not break them just to celebrate my birthday, but I may have made a mistake by allowing fans to approach too close for pictures and felt embarrassed to reject their requests."
She said she regretted what happened and said she usually abides by the safety measures that are in place to protect the public.
Her lawyer, Mohammed Al Najjar, said Dubai Police summoned his client for questioning.
“She was questioned with much respect for three hours, during which the CCTV footage was checked and proved what happened was not planned,” he said.
Dubai Police confirmed they detained the actress over the video.
Officials have repeatedly stressed the need for the public to follow rules on physical distancing, the wearing of masks and other precautions, as new daily Covid cases remain relatively high.
Hussein has appeared in several Gulf television series and several Arabic-language films.
She has more than 680,000 followers on Instagram and about 190,000 on Twitter.
Social distancing enforced across the Emirates
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- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
