Dubai eases COVID-19 restrictions from today. Here's all you need to know

People in the emirate can leave their home between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. provided everyone must observe physical distancing guidelines

The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has announced a partial reduction in the restrictions on movement in Dubai starting from Friday 24 April.

Restrictions on movement will continue to take place between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. except in the case of medical emergencies.

People in the emirate can leave their home between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. provided everyone must observe physical distancing guidelines and abide by the instructions and preventive measures outlined by concerned authorities. Critical precautions that should be followed include wearing facemasks. Those who do not wear a mask will be subject to a fine of 1,000 UAE dirhams.

The committee has decided to ease restrictions on the transportation sector, restaurants, maintanence companies, offices, hotels and hospitality and shopping centres. It has also outlined a new set of guidelines on movement and a list of exempted commercial activities and vital sectors.

Public transport

Public transport services, including Dubai metro services, will be resumed from Sunday 26 April. The normal tariff system will be reintroduced. Precautionary measures will continue to be followed and there will be specific guidelines for passengers.

Red and green line metro services will operate between 7.00 a.m. and 11.00 p.m. Preventive measures should be strictly followed by all passengers and staff in metros, taxis and buses and at public transport stations including maintaining physical distance and wearing face masks.

Only two passengers are allowed in one taxi. Water transport, tram, limousine, and car sharing services will continue to be suspended.

Administrative offices for companies, institutions

Employees are allowed to work in offices only if it is absolutely necessary. Their numbers should not exceed 30 percent of the total workforce. The rest of the workforce can continue working remotely from home.

Working hours in offices and busienss work places must not exceed six hours per day during Ramadan.

Employees over sixty years, pregnant employees and those with chronic diseases must continue to work remotely. Employees at all offices and businesses must wear facemasks both inside and outside the office. Offices and businesses must close kitchens and canteens within their premises and regularly check the temparature of their employees and visitors.

Family visits

Members of the public are permitted to visit first and second degree relatives. Gatherings should be restricted to not more than five people. However, visiting high-risk individuals (individuals above 60 years and those with underlying medical conditions) should be avoided. It is prohibited to hold gatherings in public or private places.

Ramadan tents and Majlises are not allowed within homes and in public places.

Shopping malls and commercial outlets

• Shopping malls, markets and commercial outlets will be open daily to the public from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Furthermore, restaurants and shops are allowed to operate at a maximum of 30 percent capacity at the shopping malls.
• Malls and retail outlets are not allowed to hold entertainment events to avoid congestion and crowding.
• There will be no valet parking at malls and restaurants. The first hour of parking in shopping malls will be free.
• Only 25% of the parking spaces will be open in order to reduce overcrowding in malls. The public should visit a mall only when absolutely necessary.
• Sterilisation operations will continue inside malls. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks at entrances and will be required to wear masks as a condition for entering a mall. Malls are also required to make sterilisers widely available to ensure the highest level of protection for visitors and workers.
• All shopping malls will have a medical isolation room for emergency purposes in case someone in the mall is suspected to be infected with the virus.
• Individuals above the age of 60 and children between three and 12 years of age will not be allowed to enter malls.
• As part of a new mandatory policy, purchases can be returned or exchanged at all stores and outlets only of there is a defect.
• Malls and outlets are encouraged to use smart and electronic payment methods and avoid the use of cash.

Restaurants and Cafes

• Restaurants and cafés are allowed to operate normally but are not permitted to serve shisha and buffet. Dine-in customers are allowed but should occupy only a maximum of 30 percent of the outlet’s capacity.
• A two-metre physical distance should be strictly maintained between individuals. All diners and staff should wear masks.
• Only single-use cutlery can be used at restaurants and cafes.
• Restaurants are allowed to provide food delivery services between 10.00 pm and 6.00 am.
• Services offered at salons for males and females will be restricted to hair and nail services. Customers can be received only by prior appointment and all preventive and health measures should be strictly observed.

Exercising outside the home

Members of the public are allowed to exercise outside their homes provided they do not leave their area of residence. They can undertake activities such as walking, running or cycling for 1-2 hours each time. Only a maximum of three persons can exercise at the same time. Individuals must follow preventive measures including ensuring two-metre distance from other individuals and wearing face masks.

General guidelines

• Individuals are prohibited from distributing food except through mass distribution initiatives organised under the supervision of licensed charity organisations and relevant authorities.
• Individuals are advised not to share food with family members living in different homes. If food needs to be shared with relatives or friends living in the same area, it should be transported in sealed containers.
• Reopening of mosques has been postponed since close proximity between worshippers can pose risks of infection. Group prayers are not authorised to be held in public places and mosques. Group prayers and Taraweeh prayers are permitted at home but the worshippers must be from the same family, residing in the house.
• Individuals who step out of their homes for any purpose must wear a face mask and avoid touching any surfaces or their face. They must also use hand sanitisers and wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Seniors and people with chronic diseases or any illness are not allowed to leave the house and must avoid going to public places to ensure their safety.
• Domestic workers are prohibited from meeting anyone outside the home or receiving food from unknown sources. They should be provided with protective gear if they need to interact with people outside the house. They must also be guided on precautionary measures to be followed when receiving deliveries of parcels or goods (including disinfecting the packaging and using gloves)

Places that are exempted from restrictions from 10pm to 6am:

• Malls and shopping centres
• Retail shops
• Open markets
• Pharmacies
• Money exchange houses
• Cafes and restaurants (no buffet or sheesha cafes)
• Food services
• Delivery
• Social Services
• Laundry
• Beauty salons for men and women
• Medical facilities
• Import offices
• Manufacturers of medical equipments
• Factories
• Water and electricity
• Communication
• Media
• Ports, airports, and airlines
• Security (army, police....)
• Public transport
• Construction
• Hotels

Zawya