Dubai Tourism steps up inspections to check compliance with Covid-19 guidelines

Inspections at hotels, retail and leisure attractions in Dubai to ensure compliance with Covid-19 precautionary measures have increased over the last two months, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has stated.

Following the New Year’s Eve celebrations, Dubai Tourism, in coordination with other relevant authorities, has conducted nearly 10,000 inspections of hotels and recreational facilities, a statement said.

A total of 274 violations were recorded and 47 facilities closed, marking a compliance rate of 89 per cent.

Since the reopening of the city to domestic tourism in May and international tourists in July, Dubai Tourism has adopted a “zero-tolerance approach” to non-compliance with health and safety protocols, the statement said.

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

The UAE has seen a spike in new Covid-19 cases since the start of this year.

A new set of Covid-19 precautionary measures introduced on February 2 in Dubai was recently extended until the beginning of Ramadan in mid-April.

The new regulations cover various sectors and activities with shopping malls, hotel establishments as well as swimming pools and private beaches in hotels required to operate at 70 per cent capacity. Indoor venues, including cinemas and entertainment and sports facilities, will continue to operate at 50 per cent of maximum capacity while pubs and bars will remain closed during this period.

Read: Dubai extends Covid-19 restrictions until the beginning of Ramadan

Apart from regular inspections, Dubai Tourism also launched the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp last year in collaboration with Dubai Economy and Dubai Municipality 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.

Read: New ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp to confirm health protocols at hotels, restaurants and tourist establishments