To reassure both domestic holidaymakers and travellers from overseas, authorities have put stringent measures in place in line with efforts to fight Covid-19.
As Dubai prepares to open its doors to travellers from around the world, authorities are making sure that the emirate’s hotels can give its guests not only a superb destination experience – but also one that is safe and secure.
To reassure both domestic holiday makers and travellers from overseas, authorities have put stringent measures in place in line with efforts to fight Covid-19.
Hotels that are gearing up for reopening have been required to adopt health and safety protocols. Disinfection must be conducted daily and frequently, and all rooms, facilities and air-conditioning systems should be thoroughly sterilised.
Lobbies, common areas and other contact points will be subject to enhanced sanitation. And maintaining social distancing – from restaurants to elevators – will be a priority.
“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach in the management of all health and safety protocols and are working closely with our hospitality partners for the effective implementation of these measures, as the safety of guests will be of paramount importance as we transition to the new normal,” said Khalid Saeed bin Touq, executive director for the tourism activities and classification sector ay Dubai Tourism.
Recently, a number of leisure-related restrictions that were relaxed, including the reopening of hotel beaches and the resumption of water sports activities. But this decision also came with a set of prescriptive rules, including disinfection and frequent sterilisations.
Beach-goers were required to maintain a distance of two metres between one another, along with their sun-beds. There should also be a gap of four metres between two groups of people. Only hotel guests are allowed to access the private beach property.
Other hotel facilities will remain closed, as reopening is set to be done in phases.
Dubai Tourism inspectors will be regularly monitoring these private beaches to ensure compliance with the safety measures.
“This gradual easing of restrictions relating to beaches and water sports activities at hotels is one of the more critical parts of our economic reopening plans, as it is a key component of Dubai’s leisure offering and will enable to kick-start the reactivation of the tourism sector among others across the city,” Bin Touq said.
Restaurants, on the other hand, are allowed to serve both resident and non-resident guests but with reduced seating capacity. A distance of two metres between tables must be maintained, while take-away meals and contactless payment and deliveries are actively encouraged.
“As we continuously assess the current situation and look beyond the pandemic, we will be guided by the expert advice of our public health authorities during the various stages of reopening the tourism sector with the aim of protecting Dubai’s reputation as a global city and one of the world’s safest destinations,” the Dubai Tourism official added.
