Dubai offices allowed to reopen with 50% capacity; public transport timings revised

Offices in Dubai will be allowed to reopen with 50 per cent of their capacity, it has been confirmed.

The decision is in line with the announcement made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and chairman of the Executive Council, to ease the business restrictions across the emirate starting from May 27.

Read: Dubai to resume business activities from May 27, cinemas, gyms to reopen

Earlier, some offices were permitted to reopen with only 30 per cent of their staff in attendance.

However, the new rule stipulates a maximum of 50 per cent of the employees will be allowed to operate from the office and across common areas as per a directive issued by Dubai Economy.

All elevators must also have markings that adhere to necessary physical distancing protocols.

Salons and barbershops will be allowed to reopen with 50 per cent of their capacity too.

Malls and retails outlets meanwhile will be allowed to increase their staffing and customer occupancy levels from the current 30 per cent to 70 per cent from May 27, and they will also be allowed to remain open from 6am-10pm.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has modified the timings of public transport systems within the emirate to adapt to these changes.

To #DubaiMetro users, please be informed that effective tomorrow Wednesday, 27 May, metro operation timings will change to be from Saturday till Thursday from 7 AM until 12 AM and on Friday from 10 AM till 12 AM, until further notice.#RTA pic.twitter.com/odxTv8E4ET

— RTA (@rta_dubai) May 26, 2020

From May 27, the Dubai Metro will operate from 7am-midnight from Sunday-Thursday and from 10am-midnight of Fridays.

Alongside, the public bus transport timings has also been changed. Intracity buses will now operate from 6am-11pm, with essential trips (to hospitals only) permitted on these buses between 11pm-6am.

Intercity buses will continue to be suspended until further notice.