Dubai: Nightlife returns amid strict compliance with Covid-19 rules

Dubai - The UAE's aggressive vaccination campaign and a sustained dip in daily infections are to credit for the recovery.

A vibrant nightlife is one of the key attractions of Dubai, which took a major hit since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.

Flight bans, travel restrictions and people confined indoors due to lockdown restrictions spelt doom for the pulsating nightlife and the hospitality industry in the emirate.

However, the pre-pandemic-level excitement is back with a bang.

The UAE's aggressive vaccination campaign and a sustained dip in daily Covid-19 infections can be credited with the nightlife's return amid full compliance with precautionary norms.

Owners of large entertainment venues, bars and clubs and hotel managers told Khaleej Times that nightlife venues have been experiencing a steady stream of partygoers since the beginning of July.

The revellers are confident because the undiluted fun has not compromised strict measures such as maintaining social distancing and sanitisation drives.

The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) authorities in Dubai have increased operational capacity to 100 per cent at hotels, restaurants and cafes and wedding and event halls with effect from August 12.

'Increase in operational capacity a blessing'

Indoor community events can host 2,500 guests, while outdoor programmes are allowed 5,000 people and vaccination is not mandatory for the attendees. Dancing is still out of bounds at these venues.

However, hotel owners said the boost in operational capacity would help revive their businesses.

Vladimir Gelev, the general manager at Weslodge Saloon and Hotel Cartagena Restaurant, Dubai at the JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, said, "Ours is a five-year-old establishment and Hotel Cartagena has been around for four and a half years. Our guests are mostly regulars. We're a fairly successful brand and most popular among Emiratis."

Gelev said the outlets reopened in October 2020 after the lockdown restrictions were lifted.

"We delayed our reopening as a lot of our staff could not return immediately from their native countries. Our operations were closed between March and October 2020. However, during New Year's Eve and Christmas, we're fully packed. There was a lull for a while since then and now we're back in business in a big way," he said.

Gelev cited that the rush from partygoers began shortly after Eid Al Adha. "Now, the weekends are fully packed. We recommend our patrons reserve their table at most venues," he added.

Alexis Brin, restaurant manager of French hospitality brand Bagatelle, said, "Operationally, nothing has changed for us since the new set of safety regulations were introduced. However, the new rule of maintaining a space of a minimum 1.5 metres between tables has allowed us to add one more table to our seating arrangement. It's a welcome move."

He said, "Ours is a party restaurant. However, there's still a ban on dancing. DJs play chartbusters, and our security staff is at hand to remind guests to remain seated and not to take to the dancing floor. Safety first is our motto."

He added, "Typically, the summer season is a quiet period for the restaurant, and the excitement is likely to gather momentum by the end of September."