Dubai orders all pubs, bars and lounges to close until the end of this month

Dubai has ordered all bars, pubs and lounges (including bars within restaurants) to close with immediate effect, it was announced on Monday.

The move comes as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce sent out a notice to operators confirming that the outlets will need to be closed until the end of March.

“Dubai Tourism will continuously evaluate the situation in coordination with health authorities,” it added.

So far, cafes and restaurants are being allowed to operate.

Dubai has already ordered all nightclubs, cinemas, theme parks, public parks, entertainment destinations, spas, massage parlours and gyms to close until the end of this month.

It has also cancelled all events.

Read: Covid-19: Dubai closes theme parks, cinemas, gyms, spas and cancels all events

Global Village closed early this season while Burj Khalifa’s attractions have also been closed until the end of March.

Read: Emaar suspends entertainment at all its attractions across Dubai

The UAE announced 12 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Sunday, taking the total number of cases recorded in the country to 98.

Meanwhile, a total of 26 individuals have recovered, officials have announced.