Combating coronavirus: Parks in Dubai to reopen in phases

Dubai - The park services will be restored in cooperation and coordination with the Municipality's partners and stakeholders.

A gradual three-phase reopening of public parks, which were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been planned in Dubai.
Dawoud Al Hajri, director-general of the Dubai Municipality, said the authority has decided to restart public parks and recreational facilities with careful monitoring and follow-up of developments.
The first phase of the reopening, which began on May 12, includes  external tracks and 72 family squares.
The external tracks which are now accessible include Zaabeel, Al Safa, Al Barsha South, Al Sufouh, Al Mankhool, Al Liseily, Nad Al Sheba-2 parks, as well as Nad Al Sheba-4 Park, Al Worood in Nad Al Sheba-4, Al Twar 2 and 3 parks, and the Mosque Park, in addition to Al Mizhar-1, 2 and 4, Al Qusais 2 and 3, Nadd Al Hamr and the Al Warqaa-2 parks.
"The park services are being restored in cooperation with the municipality's partners and stakeholders after studying the relevant data and new developments regarding coronavirus as well as the instructions and decisions of the Dubai Health Authority  (DHA) and the Crisis and Disasters Management Authority," said Al Hajri.
He added that the benefits from the phased implementation of the flexible operation include the ability to continuously measure and assess the situation; the ability to follow-up, control and rapidly respond to changes and the application of preventive requirements and measures. "This will help in achieving the levels of happiness of visitors, citizens and residents, and reducing the risk levels of infection from the sudden and heavy operation of parks and recreational facilities."
Upcoming phases
The second phase, which will start from tomorrow, includes the opening of 70 parks - neighbourhood parks and pond parks as well as the Miracle Cave and the Glasshouse in Quranic Park - in addition to new yards in 34 locations that were ready but have not been handed over.
The third phase that begins on May 25 will include the Mushrif, Al Mamzar, Al Khor, Zabeel and Al Safa parks. "At this phase, there will be complete readiness at the highest level for the rescue team and the operational plan," said Al Hajri.
Residents happy to be back in parks
The Umm Suqeuim park was among the parks that opened its doors to visitors as part of the first phase. And thankful for the breather, residents rushed to the park.
Andrea Thomas a resident who frequents the park said: "I am relieved the park is finally open as it is the go-to place to release
my stress." 
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Ahmed Dalil said: " We bought our son a new bicycle and he was unable to ride until today."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai