Dubai eases COVID-19 restrictions for restaurants, cafes

Starting today, restaurants and cafes in Dubai will be allowed to hold entertainment activities until 3:00 am while adhering to all COVID-19 safety protocols.

That's according to the latest directives by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, which said they will be able to operate at 80 per cent capacity, with distance between tables reduced from two meters to 1.5 meters.

They will also be able to function as per their "pre-pandemic business hours".

In a circular issued on Thursday, the authority added that business events can be held at full capacity as long as all safety protocols are followed.

Meanwhile, vaccination certificates will not be mandatory for those attending some entertainment and sporting events in the Emirate, with capacity limits for "seated events" capped at 60 per cent.

However, events that involve a standing audience will be capped at 5,000 attendees and a vaccination mandate.

Meanwhile, corporate events and award ceremonies will be capped at 1,000 people.

Capacity limits for social events have also been increased to 60 per cent, with the number of attendees not exceeding 300. Hosts have been urged to deny access to those showing symptoms, with the elderly and those with chronic illness urged to skip such events.

This comes after authorities in Dubai eased restrictions on a "trial basis" in May, with authorities adding that the situation is continously reviewed and amended accordingly to protect public health and safety.