New Guidelines for Hosting Events in Dubai During Covid-19

Guidelines for Social Gatherings
Rules for Entertainment Venues, Hospitality Industry and Restaurants

While mobility restrictions have eased across the UAE, we still need to be cautious and act responsibly to contain the spread of the virus. The UAE government updates rules according to the changing situation to ensure the safety of residents. If you want to celebrate an occasion, here are the new guidelines for hosting events in Dubai that you must follow.

Here is how you can host a party for your family and friends with minimum risk. Remember, the pandemic is still in the air, which is why the safety precautions must be adequately communicated to all attendees.

Friends having a drink together — *According to the new rules, a maximum of ten people can be invited to a party*

HOSTING SOCIAL GATHERINGS IN THE UAE

Please note that new rules are effective from 17th May 2021. While the safety SOPs have been relaxed, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing in public spaces is still mandatory.

If you are organising a wedding or a related event at home, you can invite up to 30 people. However, everyone has to adhere to the Covid-19 safety regulations stated above.

Indoor events places can host up to 1,500 attendees while the number allowed for outdoor spaces is 2,500.

GUIDELINES FOR SMALL HOSTING EVENTS

When hosting small events in Dubai, you have to adhere to the following guidelines.

For events hosted at home, the gathering shouldn’t exceed 30 people.
The host must select a venue where guests can maintain social distancing.
The venue should have adequate ventilation.
All surfaces and facilities have to be disinfected and sanitised.
Events cannot go longer than four hours.
Only a maximum of five people can be seated at one table. Also, tables should be placed at a safe distance (at least 3 metres apart).
No handshaking, hugging or kissing.
Face masks have to be worn at all times, except when seated at the table. Face masks guidelines in Dubai have to be followed.
Those suffering from fever or cough should not be part of the group. Similarly, the elderly and people with chronic illness should also avoid social gatherings.

PREVENTIVE RULES FOR RESTAURANTS, CINEMAS, HOTELS AND MALLS

The government also changed the rules of business for restaurants, hotels cinemas and malls.

Restaurants are allowed to seat 10 people per table and can resume brunches.
Coffee shops can seat 6 people per table.
Restaurants and cafes must close at 01:00 am.
Entertainment venues can host up to 70% capacity.
Hotels to operate at full capacity.
The capacity of private beaches and swimming pools to be limited to 70%.
Malls to operate at 70% capacity.
Tougher penalties for those deliberately disregarding the aforementioned measures.

Some old rules also remain in effect.

Restaurants and cafes have to ensure that there is a distance of 3 metres between tables. If required, physical barriers have to be placed.
Staff members have to wear face masks and wash their hands before and after serving customers.
If a staff member tests positive for Covid-19, he or she is prohibited from returning until granted clearance from the Department of Health in writing.
If a staff member or a customer is displaying symptoms, the restaurant manager or cafe must inform the Department of Health without any delay.
Daily sanitisation and disinfection of the facility are mandatory before allowing visitors. Moreover, after every customer leaves, the table used has to be sanitized and disinfected. Similarly, common areas like elevators, rails counters, door handles etc., have to be sanitized and disinfected after every hour.
Customers must wear face masks and follow all guidelines. If a customer fails to adhere to the guidelines, the manager can ask the person to leave the premises.

A women wearing a mask at a birthday party — *New coronavirus rules for social gatherings reduces chances of virus transmission*

RULES FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN VACCINATED

A large number of UAE residents have been vaccinated. Considering such individuals have an additional layer of protection, new rules for the vaccinated population are even more relaxed.

100 people allowed per venue for wedding events provided all attendees and staff are vaccinated.
Sports events can proceed in the presence of vaccinated spectators (participants and staff also need to be vaccinated).
Similarly, concerts, social and institutional events are also permitted for those who have received their Covid-19 vaccine jabs.
Live activities and entertainment are also allowed in malls, cafes and restaurants for a month starting 17th May. The management has to ensure that all present are vaccinated.

So far, Dubai residents have shown great social responsibility. Hence, the impact of the virus has been limited to a large degree. If we want to quickly move back to relative normalcy, it is vital to adhere to the general rules and the aforementioned guidelines for hosting events in Dubai. There is strict implementation of rules, and offenders are handed Covid-19 fines across the UAE. So whether there is a wedding in Ajman or you are hosting a party at one of the birthday party halls in Sharjah, all the rules have to be followed.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, it is best to undergo a coronavirus test in Dubai. The availability of Covid-19 vaccination in the UAE is also increasing every day. So, hopefully, things will be returning to some level of normalcy in the near future.

For updates regarding coronavirus in the UAE, visit MyBayut.