Three Emirati social media stars arrested over Drake's In My Feelings dance challenge

According to a statement, the detainees will be investigated 'on charges of endangering their lives and the lives of others' and violating public morals.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab & agencies

24 July, 2018

The viral challenge stems from a new song by Canadian rapper, Drake [Instagram/@Hossamlhossainy]

The Gulf Emirate of Abu Dhabi has ordered the arrest of three "famous" social media users for taking part in a viral dance challenge based on Canadian hip-hop superstar Drake's hit song In my feelings.

As part of the "Kiki" dance challenge, people get out of a slowly moving car and leave the door open as they dance alongside it in sync with the music.

The public prosecutor's office did not reveal the names of the three people ordered detained.

"Participants in this challenge get out of a moving car and leave the door open and dance on a public road next to the car, which is a danger to them and others on the road," it said in a statement on Monday.

"This behaviour is contrary to the values of the Emirates' society and constitutes a violation of public morals."

According to the statement, the detainees will be investigated "on charges of endangering their lives and the lives of others, and violating public morals using social networking sites to promote practises that are incompatible with the values and traditions of society."

The arrests come just a day after Emirati authorities said social media users in the UAE could be punished for taking part in the viral challenge, that has taken the online world by storm.

Users who film themselves dancing as their car rolls besides them could be slapped with a Dh2,000 fine ($545), 23 black points on their driving licenses, and have their cars impounded for 60 days.

The social media challenge has also been banned in Egypt, and those who take part will be fined.

The "Egyptian law forbids any vehicle driver from driving without closing the door's of their vehicles or driving slower than the required minimum speed limits specified," said a lawyer who is based in the country.