Dubai: Covid-19 safety rules eased; capacity, timings increased

Dubai - Effective from Thursday, August 12, hotels can operate at full capacity.

Authorities in Dubai have increased operational capacity at hotels, restaurants and cafes and wedding and event halls.

Effective from Thursday, August 12, hotels can operate at full capacity, according to a circular issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to hospitality sector stakeholders.

Restaurants and cafes

They can operate at 80 per cent capacity, with social distance between tables reduced from two to 1.5 metres.

Eateries can operate according to pre-Covid business hours, while complying with permits and guidelines issued by the department. They are allowed to extend entertainment activities until 3am.

Entertainment venues

The operational capacity at cinemas, recreational facilities, exhibitions and museums has been increased to 80 per cent.

Business events

They can operate at 100 per cent capacity, “while adhering to all business events protocols” issued by the department.

Community events

Indoor community events can host 2,500 guests, while outdoor ones can host 5,000. Covid-19 vaccination is not mandatory for the guests.

Entertainment and sporting events

Event capacity has been increased to 60 per cent, with no cap on the maximum number of participants. Covid-19 vaccination is not mandatory.

Entertainment activities with free movement (concerts) are limited to vaccinated participants, with a maximum of 5,000 attendees.

Performers from the UAE must be vaccinated. Unvaccinated performers must have a negative PCR test result taken within 24 hours of the event.