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Arabian Business, Wednesday, May 13, 2020 | Ramadan 20, 1441

Dubai hotel beaches to reopen

Emirates: Dubai hotel beaches are set to reopen after weeks of closing down as part of government enforced measures to tackle coronavirus, sources familiar with the matter told Arabian Business. 

While hotel beaches can re-open, bars, sauna and steam facilities, nightclubs and spa facilities must remain closed, according to new guidelines for hotels distributed by Dubai's government on May 12. 

It is also understood that authorities are considering an increase in restaurant capacity, which has been capped at 30% since the lifting of the 24-hour lockdown in April.

In its latest update to businesses on guidelines and protocols, Dubai Economy said the 30% will remain in place, along with social distancing rules that include placing tables 2 metres apart for all customers or set up separators/screens between tables. It added that take away is highly encouraged.

Age restrictions for malls will also remain in place, meaning no access for those aged under 12 or over 60.

During Ramadan, the operating hours for malls are set at 10 hours daily -  starting 12 pm and ending at 10 pm, but post Ramadan, there is a plan to extend that to 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 12 pm on weekends.

Negative cashflow

Restaurants in Dubai claimed last week that they're losing more money by being open than by remaining closed, due to restrictions such as low capacity, as well as high rent from landlords and shopping malls.

In a letter signed by over 100 industry leaders including Marriott International, Tim Hortons, Sunset Hospitality and Solutions Leisure - and seen by Arabian Business - the restaurants claim to be facing severe negative cashflow.

Coronavirus faces continue to grow in the UAE, which today announced 783 new cases, bringing the total number to 19,661, which includes those receiving treatment, recovered cases and deaths.

Confirmed cases this week included four families who did not adhere to precautionary measures and social distancing.

Hotel beaches and restaurants in the UAE's Northern Emirates like Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah have been open and operating with certain restrictions.

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