Dubai to allow some nightclubs to open for vaccinated revellers - but no dancing yet

Table service-only rules were also dropped but party-goers still need to socially distance

A raft of measures to support the hospitality sector were set out at Dubai's Arabian Travel Market 2021, including a one-month trial to ease Covid-19 rules for bars, restaurants and live venues. Antonie Robertson / The National

The 2021 Arabian Travel Market exhibition opened at the World Trade Centre in Dubai on May 16. Antonie Robertson / The National

Top industry leaders, ministers, airline executives and hoteliers will meet during the four-day event. Antonie Robertson / The National

Organisers say it is the first in-person travel and tourism event in the world since the onset of the pandemic. Antonie Robertson / The National

This year's event comes at a crucial time as the global aviation and tourism industry battles the Covid-19 pandemic. Antonie Robertson / The National

A man makes handicrafts at the Saudi Arabia stand at Arabian Travel Market exhibition. Antonie Robertson / The National

Coffee is served at the Saudi Arabia stand at Arabian Travel Market. Antonie Robertson / The National

The Emirates Airlines stand at Arabian Travel Market. Antonie Robertson / The National

The Saudi Arabia stand at Arabian Travel Market. Antonie Robertson / The National

This year's exhibition is being held under the theme "A new dawn for travel and tourism". Antonie Robertson / The National

The Morocco stand at Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors at the Expo 2020 Dubai stand at Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors tour some of the exhibition stands at Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National

This year's event will focus on the current state of the industry, progress on vaccines and future trends. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors at the Abu Dhabi stand look at a model of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors tour the Dubai exhibit at Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National

An artisan makes handicrafts at the Saudi Arabia stand at Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors at the Saudi Arabia stand. Pawan Singh / The National

The Egypt stand at Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National.

The Dubai stand, with a model of Burj Khalifa in the foreground, at Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National.

The Expo 2020 Dubai stand at the Arabian Travel Market. Delayed from last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 Dubai opens on October 1. Pawan Singh / The National.

Visitors explore the Expo 2020 Dubai stand at Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National.

Some nightclubs in Dubai can now open to guests who are vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Officials clarified the move a day after restrictions on the hospitality sector were eased for a one-month trial.

Patrons can sit or order a drink at a bar, with table service-only rules now dropped, a Dubai Media Office spokesperson confirmed to The National.

But there will be no dancing yet, with dance floors to remain closed pending the trial's outcome.

It also does not mean that all nightclubs can open. Establishments that hold a bar or pub trade licence can welcome guests again but not all nightclubs have that.

Unlike Monday's decision, which covered hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues across the city, Dubai Tourism will accept applications from each venue and approve events and parties accordingly.

Each venue will require different safety criteria according to its size and shape.

All staff and visitors must have had the Covid-19 vaccine and it appears likely that security staff will be required to check the government's Al Hosn tracing app, which was used to screen fans at the President's Cup in Al Ain on Sunday.

Mansour Memarian, the hotel manager at the Palazzo Versace Dubai said his staff were prepped to check vaccination certificates.

"As of now, we have implemented a system in which receptionists at our re-opened bars and venues ask for guests’ vaccination cards as they enter, walk in the outlet or are asked to show us their status on the government official vaccination app," said Mr Memarian who is a twice-starred Michelin chef.

"To avoid any discontentment and miscommunication, we are also informing guests of this requirement beforehand upon making the reservation."

Boost for DJs, bands and performers

Mansour Memarian, the hotel manager at the Palazzo Versace Dubai said his staff were prepped to check vaccination certificates. Courtesy, Palazzo Versace

Nightclubs and bars which are not primarily restaurants were closed after the surge in January saw daily cases reach about 4,000 per day. That number dropped to just 1,200 in recent days.

There are separate rules for restaurants that serve alcohol and those classed as "bars and pubs".

Nightclubs are also subject to different regulations and they have different licenses.

The move is expected to come as a boost to entertainers, bands and DJs, many of whom are self-employed, paid by the shift and struggled during the pandemic.

They will permitted to perform again, as long as they are vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Mr Memarian, who has worked in the UAE since 2010, celebrated the relaxation of the rules for hoteliers, musicians and patrons.

"The hospitality industry will greatly benefit from the new measures, as well as the plethora of local talents who we have to thank for Dubai’s buzzing live entertainment scene that will be able to work again," he said.

"With live entertainment back, UAE residents and tourists will once again be able to enjoy the lively Dubai that we all know and love.

"At Palazzo Versace Dubai, live entertainment has always been an integral part of our offering across all F&B venues.

"Now that we can implement entertainment again, we are taking measures to ensure that all the artists we work with are vaccinated.

"As for the hotel, the majority of our team members are vaccinated, reaching 98% in May 2021."

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On Monday, officials urged the public and the industry to act responsibly, stressing the trial would be reviewed in June.

The fine for not wearing a mask remains Dh3,000 ($817) per person.

Furthermore, for a one-month extendable trial period Dubai Tourism will grant permits for concerts, social and institutional events, including gala dinners and award ceremonies.

These can only go ahead on the proviso that all attendees and participants must have received the Covid-19 vaccine, and as long as the latest precautionary measures are respected.

Hotels can now operate at 100 per cent capacity, while restaurants and cafes can host groups of 10 on tables two metres apart.

Brunches can go ahead once again and six people can sit together in a shisha cafe.

Weddings can also now host as many as 100 guests, and private parties at home can include 30 individuals.

Large events can begin with numbers capped at 1,500 for an indoor venue and 2,500 for an outdoor sports or music event.

Ras Al Khaimah unveils huge adventure tourism drive

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RATKDA) said it would invest Dh500m to develop eco-tourism projects.

RATKDA unveiled a new vision and destination brand today at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021.

A flying arch at Manar Mall will welcome the region's first 130-metre aerial structure composed of over 1.5 million knots and around 300 km of twine that will cause the wind to create a choreography of constantly changing shape and color. Courtesy RAKTDA

Balloon Base will have fixed hot air balloons that visitors can use to take in the beauty of Jebel Jais.

Jais Wings will allow adventure seekers to paraglide from the top of Jebel Jais. It will be the region’s first dedicated paragliding site in the GCC. Courtesy RAKTDA

Ras Al Khaimah is set to host the first ‘Highlander’ hiking experience in the GCC in November 2021. Courtesy RAKTDA

Jais Wings will offer thrill seekers a paragliding experience from the top of Jebel Jais with landing pads near Saraya Islands and Al Rams. Courtesy RAKTDA

Cloud7 Camp at Jebel Jais will provide a taste of the glamping experience with 30 accommodation units built out of sustainable material. Courtesy RAKTDA

Scallop Ranch at Al Hamra Marine will offer oyster/scallop diving, live cooking, family and kids’ experiences and cultural activations. RAKTDA

Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, that comprises of 35 luxury lodges. RAKTDA

Bear Grylls Camp at Ras Al Khaimah.

Luminaze at Manar Mall will also welcome an aesthetic and playful art installation based on a light maze. RAKTDA

Ras Al Khaimah is also strengthening its hospitality infrastructure through new hotels, such as the all-new Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. RAKTDA