Coronavirus: Dubai's community gyms allowed to reopen but few are ready

A strict set of conditions have been put in place regarding their use

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  A crossfit gym in preparation for reopening in May in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Gyms and sporting facilities were allowed to open in Dubai from May. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  However, all gyms must follow strict safety measures. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Social distancing rules still apply, with a mandatory two-metre distance required at all times. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Gyms and other sports facilities face strict new regulations when they reopen in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  All equipment must be sterilised between use. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Gyms were allowed to operate at a 50 per cent capacity from May in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Equipment should be spaced to enable social distancing. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Facilities such as showers and changing rooms remained closed. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Community gyms in Dubai are being allowed to reopen as part of a relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.

A notice issued late last month said all gyms in residential buildings would be allowed to operate from May 31 provided capacity did not exceed 50 per cent.

Despite the decision, however, many community gyms in the emirate still remain shut this week, with owners unable to confirm when that would change.

Those that have opened must follow strict guidelines, with users wearing face masks at all times and continuing to observe social distancing.

Rules sent to residents living in The Greens and The Views, both owned by Emaar, as well as those living in Nakheel’s Marina Residence and the Shoreline Apartments on Palm Jumeirah, included:

• Wiping down equipment before and after use
• Keeping a safe distance of at least two metres from other gym users
• Wearing face masks at all times
• Sessions limited to 60 minutes
• Anyone over the age of 60 and under the age of 12 prohibited
• Personal trainers not allowed for time being

“We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during the last few weeks of closure and look forward to your co-operation as we restart operations,” said a notice to residents living in Nakheel properties.

“A number of health and safety regulations are in place to safeguard the health of residents and staff.

“The gyms are open to residents only and are operating on a first come, first served basis with a maximum occupancy [of] 50 per cent. Equipment will be disinfected after every use.”

Nakheel also warned that penalties would apply to anyone found to be in breach of the new rules.

The developer added that swimming pools and children’s play areas would also remain closed.

Meanwhile, a notice from Emaar said any gym user displaying Covid-19 symptoms would be turned away from their facilities and that changing rooms, showers and toilets would remain closed.

A statement issued by the Real Estate Regulation Agency (RERA) and Dubai Municipality also stated that the frequency of disinfecting should increase.

It said this applied especially to door handles, stairs, equipment, air-conditioning units and television remote controls.

Developers were also told that social distancing could be maintained by either removing equipment completely or by displaying out of use signs.

The National contacted a number of other developers on Monday, who were unable to say when gyms in their buildings would reopen.

Private gyms in the emirate were permitted to begin operating last week, on May 27.

Users also have to remain two metres apart, wear masks at all times and sanitise shared equipment after each use. Personal trainers are limited to working with two clients per session.