Coronavirus in UAE: 9 cafes shut down in Dubai for violating sheesha ban

Dubai - The cafes had been directed on March 12 to not provide sheesha for two weeks.

Dubai Economy, in cooperation with Dubai Municipality, has closed nine cafes for failing to abide by instructions to immediately stop the provision of sheesha to customers, as part of the precautionary measures carried out to ensure public health and safety in the emirate amid the Covid-19 coronavirus concerns.

Dubai Economy had directed all licensed sheesha cafes in the emirate on March 12, 2020 to refrain from providing sheesha in facilities for the next two weeks. The violations were spotted during the joint inspections conducted by Dubai Economy and Dubai Municipality in Dubai Marina, Al Murar, International City and Al Muteena.

Inspectors from Dubai Economy and Dubai Municipality have been conducting field visits across cafes in the emirate to ensure full compliance with the directive and protect the health and hygiene of the public as well as workers in these facilities.

Dubai Economy has also appealed to the public to report any violation of the directive by calling its hotline 600 54 5555, visiting the Consumer Rights website, or via the 'Dubai Consumer' smart application.

• Dubai