Dubai Tourism ensures safety of residents and visitors

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has joined forces with various authorities to ensure establishments across the tourism ecosystem are fully implementing precautionary measures to combat COVID-19 and safeguard the health and well-being of residents and visitors. Since the reopening of the city to domestic tourism in May and international tourists in July, Dubai Tourism adopted a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance with health and safety protocols. Heavy fines and penalties were also imposed against violators of precautionary guidelines. Dubai Tourism continues to conduct joint inspection campaigns in cooperation with Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality and the Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy), especially across places that attract large gatherings. Penalties for violations range from fines to final warnings, suspension of permits and closure of the facility.

Over the last two months, Dubai Tourism has increased its inspection campaigns to ensure that hotels and establishments across tourism touchpoints including retail, leisure, attractions, and events are complying with wide-ranging health and safety protocols outlined by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management. Following the New Year’s Eve celebrations, Dubai Tourism in coordination with other relevant authorities has conducted nearly 10,000 inspections of hotels and recreational facilities. A total of 274 violations were recorded and 47 facilities closed, marking a compliance rate of 89%.

A new set of precautionary measures against COVID-19 that was valid from 2-28  February in Dubai was recently extended until the beginning of Ramadan in mid-April. The new rules cover various sectors and activities with shopping malls; hotel establishments, swimming pools, and private beaches in hotels required to operate at 70% capacity.  Indoor venues, including cinemas and entertainment and sports venues, will continue to operate at 50% of maximum capacity while pubs and bars will remain closed during this period.