Coronavirus: Dubai cafes to stop serving shisha for two weeks

Dubai - The decision comes a day after Abu Dhabi authorities asked establishments from serving shisha.

by Dhanusha Gokulan

Published: Thu 12 Mar 2020, 2:43 PM

Last updated: Sat 14 Mar 2020, 10:39 PM

The government of Dubai has announced that all shisha cafes and coffee shops will stop serving shisha immediately for two weeks as a precautionary measure against the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Dubai Media Office tweeted on Thursday: "As part of the precautionary measures to ensure to ensure public health, Dubai's Department of Economic Development and Dubai Municipality direct all shisha cafes and coffee shops to stop serving shisha immediately, and for two weeks."

Yesterday, authorities in Abu Dhabi temporarily banned hotels and cafes from serving shisha. This is a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) - the regulatory body of hospitality and tourism in Abu Dhabi - said the ban is "immediate and urgent".

The authority said its inspectors would "verify adherence to the circular" and establishments not in compliance with it would be "subject to legal action".

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

#Dubai Government directs all shisha cafes and coffee shops to stop serving Shisha immediately for 2 weeks as a precautionary measure. pic.twitter.com/1bILyUtvFt
- Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 12, 2020