Guidelines for re-opening Malls, Offices and Parks in Dubai

As per the directives of the Dubai Economic Department (DED), Dubai has slowly seen a gradual pick-up in economic activities following the announcement of the re-opening phase of public parks, malls, businesses and public transport. The announcement is very much welcomed by Dubai residents and all are eager to know the details. However, precautionary measures still apply and continuous restriction of movement is implemented from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, for sanitation drives, and public gatherings.

Everyone must continue to wear facial masks at all times while outside, otherwise, you may incur a hefty fine. Hand gloves are optional but are encouraged to be worn. Children under 12 years old and elderly over 60 and those with underlying conditions are not allowed to enter malls, sports facilities, cinemas, etc. Additionally, all those returning from abroad must adhere to a 14-day quarantine.

The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has allowed the private sector and shopping malls to operate at 100 percent since 3 June 2020. While government offices are to resume work with 100 percent staff from 14 June 2020.

The Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has announced the exciting news of resuming business activities in Dubai for the following sectors:

• Retail and Wholesale shops
• Airport for operating returning flights for UAE residents and transit passengers after acquiring authorities’ approval
• Clinics, including ENT and Dentistry and elective surgeries with a duration of 2.5 hours or less
• Educational and training institutes, child learning and therapy centres
• Sports academies, fitness clubs, and indoor gyms
• Cinemas (with continued social distancing and disinfection measures)
• Entertainment and leisure attractions (e.g. Dubai Ice Skating Rink, Dolphinarium, etc.)
• Auction houses (with a preference for online auctions over physical auctions)
• Outsourced government offices

Although the DED has given the green light for the re-opening of business activities in Dubai, the following general rules still apply for each sector. We advise Dubai residents to read through them and keep yourselves informed with the latest updates and announcements from government authorities.

General Guidelines for re-opening of leisure parks and activities:

• Activities authorized to operate must abide by the timings of the national sterilization program
• A safe 2-meter social distance must be maintained by all visitors
• Only single-use utensils are allowed in restaurants
• Cinemas must perform a sterilization process

General Guidelines for shopping malls and retail shops:

• Visitors must always wear a face mask and hand gloves, failure to do so may lead in legal action
• Most shopping malls will operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
• Retail centres are also instructed to provide hand sanitizers across the facility
• Restaurants can operate at 50 percent capacity
• Shisha services and buffets are not permitted until further notice
• No events are allowed to take place
• Only 70 percent of parking spaces will be made available and Valet parking is currently suspended

General Guidelines for public transport:

• Dubai Metro and Tram timings will be from 7:00 AM to 12:00 MN from Saturday to Thursday and 10:00 AM to 12:00 MN on Fridays
• RTA buses will operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, however, inter-city buses operation is still suspended
• Taxis will operate from 6:00 AM to 12:00 MN daily with only two passengers allowed per taxi
• Sterilization drive and maintaining social distance while using public transport will continue to be in effect

As Dubai residents, we highly encourage everyone to abide by these new rules as we slowly ease ourselves back into our normal routines. We are all responsible for our actions, if you can stay home the better it is and only limit going out if necessary.