Dubai Police arrested a young man for setting a street on fire during his birthday/Image: Dubai Police
A birthday celebration turned into a public safety hazard when a young man in Dubai set a street ablaze with a highly flammable substance to gain online attention. Authorities swiftly intervened, sending a strong warning that such reckless acts will not be tolerated.
Birthday stunt
The young man arrested by Dubai Police after he deliberately ignited a public road using a flammable substance to mark his birthday. Brigadier Juma Salim bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic, described the act as a “serious and unacceptable behaviour” that endangered not only the individual involved but also drivers, pedestrians, and the surrounding community.According to Brigadier bin Suwaidan, turning streets into stages for viral stunts is a clear violation of traffic laws and constitutes reckless conduct. “Setting fire on a public road exposes everyone nearby to the risk of a blaze, disrupts traffic flow, confuses road users, and damages infrastructure as well as the environment,” he said.The incident, which was recorded and circulated widely on social media, was intended to increase the young man’s online followers and social media popularity. Authorities emphasized that pursuing digital fame does not justify placing lives at risk.
Quick police action
Dubai Police acted quickly after spotting the videos online. Enforcement teams monitored the footage, identified the individual and the vehicle involved, and summoned him for legal proceedings.The young man’s vehicle was impounded, and he faces legal action for all violations and damages resulting from the stunt. The fine for such violations includes:
- Dh2,000 monetary fine
- 23 traffic black points
- Vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days
Brigadier bin Suwaidan stressed that anyone using public roads for dangerous stunts or social media videos will face firm action. He noted that such behaviour undermines community safety and does not reflect the values upheld in Dubai.
Call for responsible social media use
The senior official also called on parents to actively monitor their children’s online and offline behaviour. He urged families to educate young people about the dangers of imitating risky content seen online. “The pursuit of likes and views does not justify actions that endanger lives or lead to legal consequences,” he said.Brigadier bin Suwaidan encouraged youths to use social media responsibly and to share content that positively represents the UAE’s modern and civilized image. Dubai Police will continue to intensify field patrols and employ smart monitoring systems to detect reckless acts and enforce traffic laws decisively.
Safety first
Authorities reiterated that the use of public roads for stunts or filming for social media is completely unacceptable. The case serves as a reminder that reckless behavior online can have serious real-world consequences, including injury, property damage, and legal penalties.Dubai Police concluded that maintaining road safety requires collective responsibility. Citizens and residents are urged to report dangerous acts and to set an example of responsible behavior online and on the streets.
