Dubai issues new COVID-19 preventive protocols effective from today

The government of Dubai announced a new set of precautionary measures that are effective from February 2, 2021.

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, headed by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, these new precautionary measures are aimed at safeguarding the community from COVID-19. 

They are effective from February 2, until the end of the month. During a meeting chaired by Sheikh Mansoor, the Committee noted that the new decisions are part of a constant evaluation of the evolving COVID-19 situation to ensure all precautionary measures are updated and implemented in line with local, regional and international developments. 

The measures seek to further enhance efforts to combat COVID-19, and protect the health and safety of all citizens, residents and visitors.

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The new precautionary measures apply to:

Seated indoor venues

-Audience capacity of seated indoor venues, including cinemas as well as entertainment and sports venues to be reduced to 50 per cent of maximum capacity; enhanced precautionary measures will be stringently enforced.

Hotels

-Hotel establishments will be required to operate at 70 per cent of total capacity; new bookings should comply with the new capacity limit.

Pools and beaches

-The number of guests allowed inside swimming pools and private beaches in hotels will be limited to 70 per cent of total capacity.

Malls

-Shopping malls will operate at a reduced capacity of 70 per cent.

F&B

-Restaurants and cafes will be required to close by 1am. They will also not be allowed to organise any entertainment activities in their premises.

-Pubs/bars will be closed.

Social distancing measures

-Intensified monitoring and inspection campaigns will be conducted to ensure strict compliance with precautionary measures and safety protocols including physical distancing and wearing of facemasks.