Dubai's Barasti reopens today, but with strict safety measures in place

Only the beachfront part of the three-storey venue will be open for now

Barasti which opened again on Sunday, May 31, is encouraging social distancing. Courtesy Barasti Beach

Barasti is arguably Dubai's most famous nightlife establishment.

The popular beach hangout has been open for decades and is known for its beachside location. It’s also known to attract quite a crowd, especially on weekends.

However, the beach restaurant, which has reopened its doors today, Sunday, May 31, will now be quite different.

Adhering to safety guidelines, only the beach area will be open for now, with the middle deck, pool and bar area remaining closed. (When Barasti first opened decades ago, it was just the beach portion that was open, it has expanded over the years).

The nightlife spot will close at 10.30pm, too, to fit into national sterilisation programme timings.

The sunbeds are open, but on a first-come-first serve basis. Customers are encouraged not to go to the bar, but to wait to be served.

Big gatherings are also discouraged, with groups of five people maximum allowed to mingle.

In keeping with standard practices, the restaurant is also asking customers to maintain social distancing guidelines and keep a two-metre distance from others. Masks are also necessary, but can be taken off if one is eating, on the sunbed or swimming.

It is a new way of operating, which we are taking very seriously and will continue to do so going forward as we all face the 'new normal

"We are beyond excited to be opening up Barasti Beach again, we can't wait to welcome both familiar and new faces. Barasti is the heartbeat of our complex and I can't wait to see people enjoying themselves here again," says Tolga Lacin, general manager, Barasti, Westin and Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.

"We are of course being extremely careful with safety measures and following all the directives from UAE Government. The safety of both our guests and our staff is the most important to us. It is a new way of operating, which we are taking very seriously and will continue to do so going forward as we all face the ‘new normal."

In order to explain the new guidelines in an easy-breezy Barasti way, the restaurant has created Barasti Bill, a stick figure that demonstrates what is and what is not allowed at the location right now.

As the posts, shared on the restaurant’s social media specify, Barasti Bill is patient, doesn’t complain and protects himself and everyone around. Scroll through the post below for more:

Barasti is open from 9am to 10.30pm. Entry is free and reservations are not needed. Those under the age of 21 are not allowed.