Coronavirus: Dubai Tourism orders entertainment to stop at 1am to stop spread of Covid-19

Hotels must stop serving food and beverages after 3am

The new rules govern entertainment and serving hours in bars and restaurants. Pawan Singh / The National

Bars and restaurants in Dubai must suspend all entertainment activities by 1am, the emirate’s tourism authority said.

Hotels must also cease providing food and beverage services after 3am, with the exception of delivery and room service.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing told the establishments of the changes at the weekend.

They were imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19 and came into effect on Thursday.

The circular warned the venues they must comply with the changes to opening hours “to avoid any consequential procedures and violations”.

It follows Dubai Municipality's order that diners at restaurants in the emirate will be limited to eight per table.

Restaurants have also been given the option to use dividers instead of placing tables two metres apart, a requirement that has been in force since March.

The moves come as authorities step up efforts across the UAE to clamp down on those breaking guidelines designed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Dubai on Sunday has fined several businesses and sports centres for breaching Covid-19 safety rules.

Many were censured because staff did not observe social distancing or failed to wear masks.

Authorities also closed a restaurant on Bluewaters Island after it failed to enforce social distancing.

Dubai Police have also issued thousands of warnings and fines against individuals for flouting safety precautions.

The UAE on Sunday reported 851 new coronavirus infections found in the previous 24 hours, bringing the overall total to 91,469.