Dubai to resume economic activities starting May 27

Dubai will allow gyms, cinemas and other businesses to reopen starting on Wednesday May 27, according to a statement issued by Dubai Media Office on Monday.

Business will be allowed to operate between the hours of 6am and 11pm but must comply with strict precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Al Arabiya reported.

The announcement came after a virtual meeting of Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, headed by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, to evaluate the current health, economic and social situations that the emirate faces. The committee made the decision to allow businesses to resume operations without compromising strict precautionary and preventative measures implemented.

Sheikh Hamdan said the decision was made following a comprehensive assessment of the committee's reports, various health and socio-economic aspects and a thorough review of the Covid-19 situation.

All individuals will still be required to wear face masks as well as maintain social distancing requirements of no less than two meters while in public.

The following business are included in the latest reopening stage: Retail and wholesale shops, education and training institutes, children training centers, sports academies, indoor gyms, fitness clubs, cinemas and various leisure and entertainment activities.

The United Arab Emirates slowly began lifting restrictions in recent weeks following 24-hour cufews that were part of a national disinfection program.

Earlier this month, Dubai allowed hotel beaches to open and outdoor tourism and sports activities for groups of five people or less following a period of closure due to the aCovid-19 pandemic. Restaurants and shops have also been allowed to operate but only with a 30 percent capacity in order to maintain social distancing. Parking spaces available at malls were reduced to a 25 percent availability to limit the possibility of overcrowding. Beauty salons have also been allowed to operate but on an appointment basis only, offering only hair and nail services.

Children under the age of 12 and adults over 60, as well as those who have preexisting conditions are not allowed to visit any public places or businesses for their own safety.

Sheikh Hamdan stressed the need for Dubai authorities to further raise community awareness about precautionary measures.

Highlighting the Dubai Ruler's statement "Everyone is responsible", Sheikh Hamdan said the community should understand the importance of strictly following preventive steps.

The UAE reported 30,307 coronavirus cases as of Monday; however, more than half of those infected have recovered so far. The death toll remains relatively low with 248 fatalities.