Dubai’s hotels and restaurants have been told to suspend brunches as authorities further tighten the rules on social gatherings.
Dubai Tourism singled out brunches – which typically have all-you-can-eat-and-drink deals and entertainment – in an email to hotels and restaurants.
The authority told managers to “postpone any activity that leads to large gatherings such as weekend brunches”.
Tours or parties on yachts were also restricted to 10 people. Previously, vessels were allowed to sail with 50 per cent capacity.
It reiterated that hotels must operate at no more than 70 per cent occupancy and no further bookings or extensions should be made until that figure is complied with.
Dubai Tourism said “any failure to comply with precautionary measures will result in serious action against the venue”.
On Monday, the government cut mall and venue capacity, a move that also affected cinemas, pool use and sports complexes.
Any licensed venue classed as a “pub or bar” – which includes nightclubs – but that is not a restaurant was to close immediately.
Despite the decision, restaurants and bars that serve food to people seated at tables can stay open. The decision was seen by the industry as a lifeline, allowing them to serve residents and tourists at a time when the global hospitality sector is in crisis.
Although “brunches” are now off the menu, special offers and set fees for meals and alcoholic drinks were not specifically ruled out.
On Wednesday, hotels and bars told The National they were still taking orders for scaled back "set deals" this weekend, and would have various distancing measures in place to ensure compliance.
All serving of food and drinks must be to customers seated at tables, officials reiterated.
UAE’s vaccine campaign latest – in pictures
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People queue for the vaccine near DIFC. The city has approved Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm and Oxfrd-AstraZeneca for use, and officials hope to have half the population vaccinated by late March. AFP -
Abu Dhabi has vaccinated at least 60 per cent of teachers and school staff, many during a week-long vaccine drive in late January. Courtesy: Adek -
A man receives a dose of a vaccine against Covid-19 at St Paul’s Church in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
A vaccine is administered at Bareen International Hospital in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Bareen hospital -
Abu Dhabi has vaccinated at least 60 per cent of teachers and school staff, many during a week-long vaccine drive in late January. Courtesy: Adek -
Airport personnel unload a coronavirus vaccine shipment at Dubai International Airport on February 1, 2021. AFP -
An Emirates Airlines Boeing 777 unloads a coronavirus vaccine shipment at Dubai International Airport on February 1, 2021. The airline is part of the Vaccine Logistics Alliance, which includes also logistics giant DP World. Karim Sahib / AFP -
People wait to enter a vaccination centre at Dubai's financial district on January 24, 2021. AFP -
People queue for the vaccine near DIFC. The city has approved Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm and Oxfrd-AstraZeneca for use, and officials hope to have half the population vaccinated by late March. AFP -
A teacher gives a thumbs up as he receives the Sinopharm vaccine in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Department of Education and Knowledge -
A placard informs the public of the location of a designated Covid-19 vaccination centre in Dubai's financial centre district. AFP -
People in Dubai queue for a vaccine on January 24, 2021. AFP
