Dubai tower climbers told to stop risking their lives

‘Selfie-adventurists’ and owners warned about safety rules

DUBAI // A strict warning against “selfie-adventurists” was issued yesterday after a number of videos on social media showed people climbing high-rise towers in Dubai. Hussain Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality , urged owners and those in charge of buildings to ensure that they were up to speed with safety standards and that they prevented people from putting their lives in danger.

Khalid Mohammed Sharif, assistant director general for the municipality’s environment department, said all buildings were required to have 24-hour surveillance to prevent unauthorised people from entering restricted areas, such as roofs.

“On the basis of the Local Order No 11 of 2003 and its executive regulations, Dubai Municipality issued a circular aimed at emphasising that owners or those in charge of public facilities and buildings are to provide all health and safety requirements that ensure the protection of society from risks,” he said. “The circular also highlighted the need for installation of CCTV, electronic sensors and safety systems.”

Mr Sharif also urged those in charge of buildings to report any offences. This month, Dubai Police arrested a man for scaling towers . Another man who posted footage from a tower roof in Business Bay escaped legal action and returned to the UK.

Last month, police summoned a Russian model who posed for a video while dangling from a skyscraper to sign a pledge not to put her life in danger again.