Dubai officials have cracked down on building code violations as the number of alterations made to buildings without permission has skyrocketed. Jaber Ahmed Abdullah, Acting Head of the Building Inspections Section of the Buildings Department, told Emirates News Agency, WAM: “The current campaign focuses on the demolition and removal of abandoned buildings and yards as they pose a big threat to the safety, health and security of the public.”

He continued: “Based on the latest statistics, the number of such buildings and yards reached 500, out of which the municipality has removed 160. It is necessary for the government and community to join together to get rid of all types of building violations and anyone can report such violations calling the municipality’s hotline: 800 900.”

The Dubai Municipality is carrying out these widespread inspections to retain a high standard of architectural and aesthetic appearance in the emirate. More than 4,000 building violations were recorded in 2011 with 1,503 projects corrected as a result. Many of the buildings were thought to pose significant danger to the passing public and users of the structures.