New capacity limits for UAE public spaces

The capacity at shopping malls, restaurants, cafes and many other public facilities in the UAE has been increased to 80 per cent.

Hotel establishments can go back to operating at full capacity, while maintaining the implementation of precautionary measures, including social distancing and face masks.

The announcement was made by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).

Cinemas and museums are also allowed to operate at 80 per cent capacity, while up to 10 people can be seated at one table at restaurants and cafes.

The capacity for public transport has been increased to 75 per cent, while 60 per cent is the new capacity limit for events and wedding halls but the number of guests must not exceed 300.

NCEMA added that live events and exhibitions are only open only to those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (including participants in clinical trials) but not more than six months must have passed since taking the second dose.

For the vulnerable group, including elderly people and those with chronic diseases, no more than three months must have passed since the second dose.

People wishing to attend such events will still be required to present a negative result of a PCR test taken within 48 hours, with the E letter or gold star showing on their Al Hosn applications.

NCEMA also urged establishments to use the 'green pass' protocol for certain categories of events and activities to help contain the spread of the virus.

It added that the emergency, crisis and disaster management committees and teams in each emirate will be responsible for determining the operating capacities and tweaking the rules as they deem necessary.

NCEMA announces updated operating capacities and preventive measures.#WamNews https://t.co/rti2eYVfbe pic.twitter.com/ffrrqVyghO

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 8, 2021

#الطوارئ_والأزمات: تحديث الاجراءات الاحترازية والطاقة الاستيعابية لمختلف المرافق، تماشياً مع استراتيجية الدولة في خلق التوازن بين الصحة ومختلف القطاعات ودعما للجهود الوطنية لتحقيق التعافي المستدام وعودة الحياة الطبيعية الجديدة مع العودة التدريجية للأنشطة.https://t.co/oxNtsWSFQ1 pic.twitter.com/NGiJvhliS8

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) August 8, 2021