Dubai Police Arrest Man for Setting Street on Fire in Reckless Birthday Stunt

Dubai Police have arrested a young man for performing a dangerous stunt that involved setting a public road on fire, an act officials say was a misguided attempt to celebrate his birthday and gain social media attention. The viral video of the incident, which showed flames erupting on an asphalt street near the suspect's vehicle, prompted an immediate investigation and a swift arrest, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy for behaviour that endangers public safety.

The Incident: A Deliberate Act of Recklessness

According to Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, the individual deliberately poured a highly flammable substance onto the road and ignited it. This reckless act created a significant blaze that posed a direct threat to the man's safety, as well as to passing motorists, pedestrians, and emergency responders. The video quickly circulated on social media platforms, drawing widespread condemnation and triggering a police investigation.

Police Response: Swift Identification and Arrest

Dubai Police's enforcement teams began monitoring and analysing the viral footage immediately. Using advanced monitoring systems, they were able to trace the suspect and the vehicle involved. The man was subsequently summoned, and his vehicle was impounded as part of the legal proceedings. Brigadier bin Suwaidan stated that the man's actions appeared motivated by a desire for "fake fame" and increased followers online—a pursuit that authorities firmly condemned.

Legal Consequences and Severe Penalties

The act constitutes a clear violation of the UAE's Federal Traffic Law. Individuals found guilty of such dangerous behaviour face stringent penalties, which can include:

• A fine of up to Dh2,000
• 23 black points on the driver's licence
• Vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days

Brigadier bin Suwaidan emphasised full accountability, stating, "The vehicle was impounded and he will take full responsibility for the damage on the road."

A Broader Warning on Social Media Stunts and Public Safety

The police used this incident to issue a stern warning to the community, particularly targeting younger audiences who might be influenced by risky online content. Authorities stressed that using public roads for dangerous stunts to gain social media popularity is unacceptable and a severe breach of the law. Parents were specifically urged to monitor their children's online activities and discuss the serious real-world consequences of imitating such hazardous acts.

Enhanced Measures for Road Safety

To prevent similar incidents, Dubai Police announced they would intensify road patrols and leverage smart monitoring systems to swiftly detect and respond to any unsafe behaviour on the roads. This is part of a continuous strategy to enhance safety across the emirate and protect all road users.

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Public Safety Remains the Priority

This case has ignited a broader conversation about the influence of social media on reckless behaviour and the imperative of prioritising community safety over online validation. Dubai authorities have reinforced that the emirate's roads are not a stage for life-threatening stunts, and any conduct that jeopardises public safety will be met with the full force of the law. The arrest serves as a powerful deterrent and a reminder that legal accountability and the welfare of the community will always come first.