• A staff member directs swimmers to the correct swimming zone at Hamdan Sports Complex. Pools have reopened in Dubai Getty Images
    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
    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 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 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
    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
    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
    Kayakers race off the coast of Dubai. AP Photo
  • A woman watches kayak racers take off from 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
    Kayakers race in front of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, off the coast of Dubai. AP Photo

Coronavirus: UAE records 254 new cases as 494 patients recover


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The UAE recorded 254 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the number of infections to 57,988.

Officials announced a further 494 patients had beaten the virus as the recovery tally moved to 50,848.

No deaths were reported. The death toll stands at 342.

The Emirates conducted 54,000 additional tests in the past 24 hours.

More than 4.5 million tests have been carried out in the country since the outbreak began, as part of a mass screening strategy to identify cases early and limit the spread of the virus.

The UAE has brought in mandatory testing for all airline passengers travelling to the country to limit the spread of the virus.

Travellers must be screened in their country of origin and present their negative test at check-in desks before flying to the Emirates.

The new system will be in place from August 1.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema) said the rules applied to "all Emiratis, residents, and tourists, arriving via the country's airports, irrespective of the countries they are coming from", in a statement on state news agency Wam.

The rules also apply for all transit passengers passing through the UAE.

Keeping in line with the precautionary measures, all Eid prayers should be performed at home, said Saif Al Dhaheri, the spokesman for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (Ncema) said on Wednesday.

Mr Al Dhaheri said people should avoid visiting family and friends over Eid.

He said people should avoid giving gifts and money to children as eidiyah. They should instead use electronic alternatives to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.

No one should visit pregnant women, children or those with chronic diseases and underlying health conditions.

They should also avoid going out to public places, said Mr Al Dhaheri.

He said maids and domestic helpers should not be allowed to meet anyone outside the home.

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

Babumoshai Bandookbaaz

Director: Kushan Nandy

Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami

Three stars

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less