Coronavirus: Dubai to push back nightly restrictions from 8pm to 11pm and open cinemas and gyms

Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, reminds public that following rules is 'key to restoring normal life'

A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche in the capital as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city. Victor Besa / The National

Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back to their home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operating from select cities. Karim Sahim / AFP 

Passengers from an Emirates flight from London queue before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP

Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will be open from midday to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National

Workers pass by Al Mina vegetables and fruits market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National

Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at the Mussaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Related: Gyms to open at 50 per cent capacity and install dividers between machines 

Dubai will ease restrictions on personal movement and allow gyms and cinemas to open from Wednesday.

Nightly restrictions will be pushed back from 8pm to 11pm and be lifted at 6am each morning.

Cinemas and gyms will also be allowed to open from Wednesday, May 27, as will entertainment centres including ice rinks.

Non-essential medical services, such as routine trips to the dentist, will also be allowed as of Wednesday.

The announcement was made at a meeting of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.

“Everyone is responsible," Sheikh Hamdan reminded the public, in a news release on Monday night.

He said the government was aware of economic challenges facing countries around the globe.

"What makes us different is our ability to deal positively with changes and our agility," Sheikh Hamdan said.

"We have all the elements necessary to adapt to these challenging circumstances.

"I am confident that all members of the society will come together to overcome this crisis as soon as possible."

Responsibility on the part of the public, and a significantly enhanced medical system, was a key part of opening up the economy, the Dubai government said.

Dubai Government Media Office said a 3,000-bed field hospital at the World Trade Centre and a 1,200-bed centre at Dubai Parks and Resorts were ready to handle cases if needed.

The 29,000 square metre hospital at the theme park was set up with the help of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Abu Dhabi's public health services company Seha.

Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on measures crucial to ensuring that activities could reopen, including physical distancing, wearing face masks, use of sanitisers and prevention of crowding in public places.

Family visits and social gatherings should still be avoided unless they are under strict guidelines.