Dubai increases capacity at hotels, restaurants and cinemas, eases timings for events

Authorities in Dubai have increased the operational capacity at hotels, restaurants and cafes, cinemas as well as business and entertainment events.

Hotels and business events can operate at full capacity effective from Thursday, August 12, local media reports cited a circular issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) as saying.

Restaurants, cafes, clubs and bars are also now permitted to operate at 80 per cent capacity, with physical distancing between tables reduced from two to 1.5 metres. Restaurants are also allowed to seat tables of up to 10 people – although bigger tables (5 to 10 diners) should not be placed next to each other.

They can also return to pre-Covid business hours, and can stay open until 3am – while complying with permits and guidelines issued by the department.

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

Events

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

Concerts held outdoors are now permitted to allow free movement, but will be limited to vaccinated participants with a maximum capacity of 5,000 guests.

While performers from the UAE will need to be vaccinated, those from outside who are not vaccinated must have a negative PCR test result taken within 24 hours of the event.

Meanwhile indoor community events can permit up to 2,500 attendees guests, while outdoor ones can host 5,000 people.

Capacity at social gatherings has been increased to 60 per cent, with a maximum of 300 attendees. Vaccination is not mandatory.

Meanwhile award ceremonies can have up to 1,000 guests, with vaccination not mandatory for guests.

DTCM urged all event organisers and the public to adhere to all the Covid-19 guidelines in place.