Dubai restaurants now allowed to serve alcohol

Licensed restaurants in Dubai are allowed to serve alcohol starting Sunday, May 24, Dubai police has confirmed.

A notice from Dubai Police’s licensing section sent last week said that alcohol can be sold from the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

However, restaurants will have to follow strict protocol in line with the current social distancing measures.

Drinks will have to be served at tables and customers will not be permitted to stand at the bar.

Alcohol can only be served when customers order food and all drinks must be provided in disposable cups, according to the regulations.

The UAE shut all restaurants and bars in March to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak.

However, officials have been gradually reopening parts of the economy including malls, hotels and restaurants.

Those reopening have to adhere to social distancing including ensuring that they only admit customers for up to 30 per cent of their capacity.