Coronavirus: Sharjah to reopen cinemas, museums and some beaches from Wednesday

Authorities are continuing to ease restrictions in place to combat the spread of Covid-19

SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 26 MARCH 2020. Sharjah Municipal staff prepare spray canisters at the main Enviroment Services Department of the Sharjah Municipality to disinfect the streets of Sharjah after the mandatory 8pm curfew. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: None. Section: National.Show less

Cinemas, gyms, museums and private beaches at hotels in Sharjah are to reopen from Wednesday in line with strict safety measures.

The emirate's Emergency and Crisis Management team announced the easing of Covid-19 restrictions at a remote meeting on Sunday as part of efforts to reinvigorate the economy.

The raft of amenities - also including restaurants, swimming pools and play areas - will be allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity.

Sharjah International Airport will operate in compliance with safety guidelines, with shops and the duty free section being open to customers.

Facilities must adhere to rigid safety regulations, including ensuring temperature checks are carried out, face masks are worn at all times, physical distancing is applied and thermal imaging cameras are installed.

Fitness clubs for men and women, children's gaming rental facilities, electronic gaming halls, water sports rentals, and motorcycle rental facilities will also resume business.

Attractions such as Sharjah Art Foundation’s Rain Room, Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, Sharjah Art Museum and Sharjah Aquarium will also open their doors once more.

"Tickets are required to be purchased remotely to allow a control of appointments and visitors numbers," said Sheikha Nawar Al Qasimi, vice president of Sharjah Art Foundation.
Museums under Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) will reopen according to a four-phase plan.

“Museums to reopen in phase one, were specifically selected because they are compatible with precautionary measures. Due to their wide spaces, they allow physical distancing,” said Manal Ataya, director general of SMA.

She added that Sharjah Maritime Museum, Al Mahatta Museum, Sharjah Classic Cars Museum and Sharjah Fort (Al-Hisn) will reopen in phase two.

Sharjah's Environment and Protected Areas Authority will open a number of its centres for visitors.

These include desert park centres, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation centre, and Wasit Wetland Centre.

Al Jubail public transport station will also relaunch services between emirates, with more stations to gradually reopen.

Inspections will be intensified to ensure people follow safety rules.

Officials agreed that all employees with health conditions will continue to work remotely in accordance with federal and local decisions.

___________

Gallery: Coronavirus in the UAE

• 

  A staff member directs swimmers to the correct swimming zone at Hamdan Sports Complex. Pools have reopened in Dubai Getty Images

• 

  Swimmers train at Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Getty Images

• 

  A worker is seen disinfecting the pool area in between training sessions at Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai. Getty Images

• 

  A signs showing social distancing regulations is seen at Hamdan Sports Complex. Getty Images

• 

  A swimming coach wearing a plastic face visor is seen at Hamdan Sports Complex. Getty Images

• 

  Pakistani citizens who live in Dubai line up outside Dnata. They’ve received a confirmation call from the consulate regarding their repatriation flights. Reem Mohammed / The National

• 

  Pakistani citizens who live in Dubai line up outside Dnata. They’ve received a confirmation call from the consulate regarding their repatriation flights. Reem Mohammed / The National

• 

  Pakistani citizens who live in Dubai line up outside Dnata. They’ve received a confirmation call from the consulate regarding their repatriation flights. Reem Mohammed / The National

• 

  Kayakers race off the coast of Dubai. AP Photo

• 

  A woman watches kayak racers take off from the coast of Dubai. AP Photo

• 

  Kayakers race in front of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, off the coast of Dubai. AP Photo