Covid-19: Abu Dhabi reduces capacity cap for restaurants, cafes and parks

Abu Dhabi - The new norms will be implemented from Monday onwards.

Local authorities in Abu Dhabi have introduced new capacity caps for restaurants, coffee shops and public transport as a strategy to combat the next stage of the Covid pandemic.

In a series of tweets on Thursday night, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said that from Monday restaurants, cafes, public beaches and parks can have a maximum of 50 per cent capacity. In February, the occupancy limit was set at 60 per cent.

Covid-19: New entry rules, updated capacity, movement restrictions in Abu Dhabi

Restaurant managers welcomed the decision taken as precautionary measures during the public holidays.

“We are aware of the announcement through the media reports. The capacity norms were up 80 per cent the same time last year, then dropped to 60 per cent after the New Year celebrations and now to 50 per cent. We were looking forward to a good collection from next week. However, health and safety are more important,” said a restaurant manager at a shopping centre.

The other restriction will be implemented in public transport buses with capacity reduced from 75 per cent to 50 per cent. Already, alternate seating arrangement is followed in buses with a fine of Dh3,000 for sitting on such marked seats. Transport authorities will also deploy additional 100 daily trips on main routes to meet the public demand and avoid crowding inside the bus.

Also, a maximum of 3 passengers will be allowed in a five-passenger taxi and 4 passengers in a seven-passenger taxi. Earlier, taxis were operating at 45 per cent capacity.

However, the caps for shopping malls (40 per cent), cinemas (30 per cent), and private beaches, swimming pools and gyms (50 per cent) remain similar to the previously issued order.