Dubai Tourism conducts almost 10,000 COVID-19 safety checks since January

Since the start of 2021, Dubai Tourism, in coordination with other relevant authorities, has carried out close to 10,000 inspections of hotels and recreational facilities.

A total of 274 violations were recorded and 47 facilities have been shut down, marking a compliance rate of 89 per cent.

Since the reopening of the city to domestic tourism in May and international tourists in July, 2020, Dubai Tourism adopted a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance with health and safety protocols. Heavy fines and penalties were also imposed against violators of precautionary guidelines.

Dubai Tourism continues to conduct joint inspection campaigns in cooperation with Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality and the Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy), especially across places that attract large gatherings.

Penalties for violations range from fines to final warnings, suspension of permits and closure of the facility.

Over the last two months, Dubai Tourism has increased its inspection campaigns to ensure that hotels and establishments across tourism touchpoints including retail, leisure, attractions and events are complying with wide-ranging health and safety protocols outlined by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management. 

A new set of precautionary measures against COVID-19 that was valid from February was recently extended until the beginning of Ramadan in mid-April.

The new rules cover various sectors and activities with shopping malls; hotel establishments, swimming pools and private beaches in hotels required to operate at 70 per cent capacity. 

Indoor venues, including cinemas and entertainment and sports venues, will continue to operate at 50 per cent of maximum capacity while pubs and bars will remain closed during this period.

Dubai was one of the world's first cities to develop a detailed pandemic strategy including a three-phase recovery plan for its tourism sector. With the health and safety of residents and visitors being Dubai’s first priority, several steps were taken to curb the spread of COVID-19, including organising outreach campaigns and large-scale sterilisation programmes, as well as introducing necessary regulations and guidelines. The effective management of the pandemic led to the gradual reopening of various sectors and activities, including the tourism sector.

Apart from regular inspections, Dubai Tourism continues to take various other steps to instill confidence among residents and visitors that Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. The success of its citywide management of the pandemic was recognised by the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC), which awarded the city a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp.

Dubai Tourism in collaboration with Dubai Economy and Dubai Municipality also launched the DUBAI ASSURED stamp to certify hotels, retail stores, food and beverage (F&B) outlets, attractions, event venues and other relevant establishments that have complied with all health and safety guidelines.

#Dubai Tourism steps up inspections to ensure compliance with precautionary measures and safety of residents and visitors https://t.co/4cBLgqbmuX #tourism pic.twitter.com/ipMenc4skR

— Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (@DubaiDET) March 8, 2021