United Arab Emirates (UAE): Introductory country profile
This briefing provides an introduction to UAE politics, human rights, trade, and international relations. It also signposts further reading.

This Library briefing paper discusses the enforcement of coronavirus restrictions regulations in England and Wales. It explains who has powers to enforce the restrictions and what those powers are. It also summarises statistics on the number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs- fines) issued by police for coronavirus offences.
Coronavirus: enforcing restrictions (1 MB , PDF)
Various restrictions and requirements have been placed on individuals and businesses to help slow the spread of coronavirus in England and Wales:
Responsibility for enforcing coronavirus restrictions is shared between several public agencies. Some private businesses also have responsibilities.
Organisations and individuals enforcing coronavirus restrictions |
|
Lockdown restrictions |
Police Local authorities |
Face coverings |
Transport operators Business owners Police |
International travel quarantine |
Comercial transport services Civil Aviation Authority Border force Public Health England’s Isolation Assurance Service NHS Test and Trace Police |
Self-isolation |
NHS Test and Trace Police Employers |
The police have adopted a “four-phase approach” to policing coronavirus restrictions in which enforcement is “the last resort”:
The police (and others if designated) have a range of new powers they can use to enforce coronavirus restriction regulations:
117,213 FPNs were issued in England and Wales under lockdown regulations between 27 March 2020 and the 20 June 2021.
Periods of national lockdown have seen a marked increase in the number of FPNs issued by police. The police issued more fines in the third national lockdown than the first and second. During the first national lockdown the police issued an average of 1,552 FPNs per week. During the third national lockdown they issued an average of 4,491.
The number of FPNs issued for other coronavirus restrictions/requirements has been small:
Coronavirus: enforcing restrictions (1 MB , PDF)
This briefing provides an introduction to UAE politics, human rights, trade, and international relations. It also signposts further reading.
There will be a debate on estimates relating to the department for Education in the House of Commons chamber on 6 July 2022. This debate will be led by Robert Halfon MP.
An overview of initiatives to support businesses through the coronavirus pandemic.