Dubai tightens Covid safety rules; 'tougher penalties' announced

Dubai - Measures effective from February 2 to February 28, 2021.

By Web Report

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Published: Mon 1 Feb 2021, 8:08 PM

Last updated: Mon 1 Feb 2021, 8:47 PM

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, headed by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced a new set of precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding the community from Covid-19 coronavirus, effective February 2, 2021 until the end of the month.

Also read: Report Dubai Covid-19 violations on this number


During a meeting chaired by Sheikh Mansoor, the Committee noted that the new decisions are part of a constant evaluation of the evolving Covid-19 situation to ensure all precautionary measures are updated and implemented in line with local, regional and international developments. The measures seek to further enhance efforts to combat Covid-19, and protect the health and safety of all citizens, residents and visitors.

Daily reports have shown a marked increase in the number of violations of precautionary measures, the Committee added.


The health and wellbeing of the community remain the highest priorities for the leadership, especially in these exceptional circumstances, the Committee stressed, noting that the full cooperation of both institutions and community members is crucial to ensure effective implementation of Dubai’s strategy to curb COVID-19.

Also read: Dubai shuts 14 businesses in January

The new precautionary measures announced include:

- Audience capacity of seated indoor venues, including cinemas as well as entertainment and sports venues to be reduced to 50 per cent of maximum capacity; enhanced precautionary measures will be stringently enforced.

- Hotel establishments will be required to operate at 70 per cent of total capacity; new bookings should comply with the new capacity limit.

- The number of guests allowed inside swimming pools and private beaches in hotels will be limited to 70 per cent of total capacity.

- Shopping malls will operate at a reduced capacity of 70 per cent.

- Restaurants and cafes will be required to close by 1.00am. They will also not be allowed to organise any entertainment activities in their premises.

- Pubs/bars will be closed.

Also read: Live entertainment suspended in Dubai

- Intensified monitoring and inspection campaigns will be conducted to ensure strict compliance with precautionary measures and safety protocols including physical distancing and wearing of facemasks.

The Committee stressed that the new decisions have been made in response to the current COVID-19 situation. The commitment of the public in fully complying with precautionary measures and guidelines of authorities is critical to counter the repercussions of the pandemic on public health, the economy and society.

The Committee also encouraged members of the community to report any violations of COVID-19 precautionary measures by individuals or establishments through Dubai Police’s Call Centre 901 or its ‘Police Eye’ service in the Dubai Police Smart App.

Enforcing preventive protocols and observing health and safety guidelines remains the most effective method to combating the virus.

The Supreme Committee said penalties will be strictly imposed on anyone found posing a risk to public health by deliberately disregarding preventive measures or not observing them properly. Inspections will be intensified to ensure compliance with precautionary measures, which continue to be crucial in overcoming the pandemic and protecting the community, especially the most vulnerable sections.

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