New ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ stamp to confirm health protocols at hotels, restaurants and tourist establishments

Dubai has launched a new compliance programme to certify that hotels and retail establishments, F&B outlets and tourist attractions in the emirate are adhering to the highest levels of Covid-19 protection standards.

The ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ stamp, is issued free of charge, and is valid for 15 days. It can be renewed every two weeks upon further verification by inspectors from the relevant authorities and will cover all key tourism facilities in the emirate, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement.

The verification and validation process has been jointly developed by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy) and Dubai Municipality, and is aligned with the protocols established by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

#Dubai launches the ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ stamp for tourism and retail establishments that comply with health and safety protocols. https://t.co/Wrdr1H3gqD pic.twitter.com/7Gq1ulu5Z5

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 18, 2020

Over 1,000 establishments have already been inspected for compliance with relevant guidelines, thereby making them eligible to receive the ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ stamp.

The stamp will reassure guests that all the necessary safety protocols at the establishment are being adhered to, and those establishments in turn can feature this stamp in their marketing communications.

“The compliance programme we have rolled out across the hospitality sector with the wholehearted support of Dubai Economy and Dubai Municipality is not only testament to the continued efforts being made to further enhance health and safety standards but is also a confidence-boosting measure to reassure travellers that Dubai is one of the world’s safest destinations,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, Dubai Tourism.

“With health and safety foremost on the minds of travellers when selecting their destination, the ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ seal is a simple yet critical mechanism to ensure tourists enjoy a smooth and safe experience at every stage of their journey, from arrival at our airports to their departure from Dubai. The Safe Travels stamp Dubai received recently from the World Travel & Tourism Council further validates the city’s efforts to implement stringent hygiene and safety protocols and align itself with international health and safety standards and best practices,” added Almarri.

Dubai began welcoming tourists to the emirate from July 7, with national airlines resuming direct flights to several international destinations.

Sami Al Qamzi, director general of Dubai Economy, said: “The outstanding commitment demonstrated by commercial establishments in complying with precautionary measures has contributed significantly towards Dubai being able to reopen for business and welcome visitors in spite of the global pandemic threat. Safety, stability and resilience are paramount in the new scheme of things and ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ is an inspiring statement that Dubai has strengthened its credentials as a safe destination and global hub for tourism, retail and leisure.”

According to a survey conducted by HVS, around 85 per cent of travellers said that they will prioritise their travel plans based on the destination’s reputation and the action taken by its government in managing the pandemic including safety and security measures and the quality of the healthcare system and services.

Hotels in Dubai have made it mandatory to wear masks and adhere to social distancing, with entrances fitted with contactless screening technology to screen guests.

Malls too have pressed thermal scanners and cameras to monitor traffic at entry points. Public parks and beaches under Dubai Municipality have reopened, but those who do not wear masks or adhere to the safety guidelines risk steep fines issued by the authorities.

“Dubai Municipality is taking effective steps to promote health and safety and facilitate a gradual return to normal life in a safe environment. We are committed to ensure that tourists can enjoy a comfortable and safe stay in hotels in Dubai. We have outlined precautionary measures for all hotels to ensure their guests can enjoy activities in all its facilities including beaches. We continuously follow up to ensure compliance with precautionary measures as part of making sure all hotels in Dubai are prepared to receive guests with the highest standards of hygiene and safety,” said Dawoud Al Hajri, director general of Dubai Municipality.