Lockdown Updates: 8 Things We Can’t Wait to Do Now That Dubai is Reopening
Dubai has always been a busy city, but due to the spread of coronavirus, it has recently become a ghost town, even after the 24-hour lockdown was lifted. So far, the UAE has conducted over 1.5 million COVID-19 tests. However, there has been some good news.
Dubai is planning to reopen several facilities and locations as a continuation of the process of easing lockdown measures, but with several precautions in place to fight the spread of the pandemic across the city.
Here’s a list of the facilities that Dubai will be reopening soon, along with some details that you need to keep in mind if you plan on going.
Hotel beaches
It’s summer, and, ideally, summer means beach to all of us. However, access is limited to hotel guests, who are required to bring their own belongings to the beach and wear masks. So hurry up and book a room in Atlantis so you can enjoy the sunny beach there!
Our favorite beaches, Kite Beach, La Mer, and JBR The Beach reopened at the end of last month, but we still can’t swim there, but we can at least enjoy the sun and the food. We can’t wait to go swimming at these beaches like we used to every summer!
Shopping malls and retail outlets
We’ve definitely missed shopping at Dubai Mall and trying on outfits from our favorite brands at Mall of the Emirates! During Ramadan, malls will be operating from 12 pm to 10 pm. Post-Ramadan, all malls in the city will be open from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays, and from 10 am to 12 pm on weekends. Make sure you remember to wear your mask when visiting the mall. Although there will be a continuous sterilization process taking place in the shops, till now you can only use the fitting room for 10 minutes, and try on up to 5 items.
Skydiving
Although no tandem jumps are allowed at this point, licensed jumpers can jump but are encouraged to bring their own goggles, wear masks and remove them during free fall, as well as undergo temperature checks.
Public parks
Public parks are also set to reopen, with gatherings not exceeding five people, all wearing their masks and maintaining the necessary physical distance.
Jet skiing
If you’re a fan of water sports, you can now finally get back to jet skiing. But make sure you ride alone as only one person is allowed on.
Boat rentals
The boats must be thoroughly disinfected, and only a maximum of five people are allowed on board at the same time. You still cannot host any parties on the boat.
Cycling
If you’ve missed cycling across Dubai’s beautiful Downtown area, you can now go back to your favorite activity. Cycling will now, once again, be permitted.
Offices
Finally, and whether we like it or not, some employees will now be going back to their offices, but staffing capacity will only be 30%. Anyone using pantries or coffee stations should follow the 2m social distancing, water dispensing machines will not be used, and elevators can only be filled up to 30%.
