Dubai permits hotel beaches and public parks to reopen, watersports, skydiving also allowed

Dubai has announced an easing of restrictions in the emirate, with public parks and hotel beaches allowed to reopen and some recreational activities permitted to resume from Tuesday, May 12.

However, certain measures will remain in place to curb the spread of Covid-19, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management confirmed.

At public parks, gatherings cannot exceed five people, while hotels are allowed to reopen their private beaches only to their guests. They also need to ensure that mandatory physical distancing is maintained between individuals, official news agency WAM reported.

Trams and maritime transport including the Dubai Ferry, water taxis, both traditional and air-conditioned abras, and car sharing services can resume operations according to timelines specified by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Sports and recreational activities will also be permitted in open spaces for up to five people, including cycling, watersports and skydiving.

Preventive measures will have to be maintained while engaging in these sporting activities, the report said.

In shopping malls and retail outlets, the refund and return of goods and the use of fitting rooms is now permitted with the condition that santisation is carried out frequently.

Read: Dubai reveals ‘reopening’ plan post Ramadan for malls, offices

The committee stressed the need to continue following all precautionary and preventive measures outlined by authorities to reduce the spread of the virus.

The UAE announced 783 new Covid-19 cases on May 12, increasing the total number infections reported in the country to 19,661. The total death toll on account of the virus stands at 203.

Read: GCC Covid-19 update: UAE registers 783 cases; Saudi reports 1,911 infections