Interior ministry sets 8pm deadline for noisy neighbours

A report published in 999 Magazine ­– the official English monthly of the Ministry of Interior – reveals that noise pollution is fast becoming a serious social issue in the cities of the UAE. 

Lt. Colonel Awadh Saleh Al Kindi, Editor-in-Chief of 999, said: "More than 200 different nationalities co-exist peacefully in the UAE and to maintain this, it is essential for residents to be considerate towards their neighbours and avoid unnecessarily loud noise that is unhealthy for themselves as well as the community.”

Quoting Abu Dhabi’s Environment Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS), the 999 report says domestic activity resulting in excess noise which has an adverse impact on the peace of the neighbourhood should not be undertaken except between 7am to 8pm on working days; and between 9am to 7pm on weekends and public holidays.

Hence, making excess noise after 8pm on a working day or after 7pm on weekends of public holidays could land you in serious trouble.

In case of noisy neighbours, the report suggests that the problem is first discussed in a friendly and non-aggressive way.

“If that fails tell them politely that you will report the problem to Abu Dhabi Municipality. If that fails, you can call the Abu Dhabi Municipality on 02-678-8888. If a situation turns adverse, you can call the police authorities,” the report states.

The March edition of the magazine also warns residents of the danger of extreme noise-related stress, highlights what the country’s rules say about this, and offers tips on how to address the issue.

Noise pollution is defined as the “excessive, upsetting human, animal or machine-created environmental noise that disrupts the activity, balance or harmony of normal life”.

In the UAE, the most common sources of noise pollution are road traffic, construction sites, construction equipment, airplanes, loud music and televisions, garbage trucks, machinery and generators.

Guidelines produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) say that, for good sleep, nighttime sound levels should not exceed 30 decibels for continuous background noise or 45 decibels for individual noise events. Industry estimates however show that some construction sites produce more than 70 decibels.

According to the report, noise pollution can cause people debilitating anxiety, sleep deprivation, frustration and anger.

The ‘999’ magazine is part of the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of the Interior to encourage public to contribute to the reduction of crime in the UAE.

Photo Caption: Representative photo