• 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 Emirates Airlines stand at Arabian Travel Market. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The Saudi Arabia 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
    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
    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 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
    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
    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 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
    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
    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
    Visitors at the Saudi Arabia stand. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Egypt stand at Arabian Travel Market. 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 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.
    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.
    Visitors explore the Expo 2020 Dubai stand at Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National.

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


Georgia Tolley
  • English
  • Arabic

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
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."

.
.

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.
    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.
    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
    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.
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, that comprises of 35 luxury lodges. RAKTDA
  • Bear Grylls Camp at Ras Al Khaimah.
    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
    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
    Ras Al Khaimah is also strengthening its hospitality infrastructure through new hotels, such as the all-new Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. RAKTDA
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

Ultra processed foods

- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns 

- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;

- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces

- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,

- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.

Turkish Ladies

Various artists, Sony Music Turkey 

Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

'Laal Kaptaan'

Director: Navdeep Singh

Stars: Saif Ali Khan, Manav Vij, Deepak Dobriyal, Zoya Hussain

Rating: 2/5

What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
  7. Professional ethics.

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.6-litre turbo

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Power: 165hp

Torque: 240Nm

Price: From Dh89,000 (Enjoy), Dh99,900 (Innovation)

On sale: Now

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

Price: From Dh796,600

On sale: now

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Rain Management

Year started: 2017

Based: Bahrain

Employees: 100-120

Amount raised: $2.5m from BitMex Ventures and Blockwater. Another $6m raised from MEVP, Coinbase, Vision Ventures, CMT, Jimco and DIFC Fintech Fund

UAE SQUAD

Mohammed Naveed (captain), Mohamed Usman (vice captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Imran Haider, Tahir Mughal, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed, Fahad Nawaz, Abdul Shakoor, Sultan Ahmed, CP Rizwan

The specs
Engine: 3.6 V6

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Power: 295bhp

Torque: 353Nm

Price: Dh155,000

On sale: now 

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)

Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)

West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)

Sunday

Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)

Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)

Everton v Liverpool (10pm)

Monday

Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
Company profile

Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space

Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)

Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)

Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi 

Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution) 

Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space  

Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019

UK%20record%20temperature
%3Cp%3E38.7C%20(101.7F)%20set%20in%20Cambridge%20in%202019%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

The%20Woman%20King%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Gina%20Prince-Bythewood%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Viola%20Davis%2C%20Thuso%20Mbedu%2C%20Sheila%20Atim%2C%20Lashana%20Lynch%2C%20John%20Boyega%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Gully Boy

Director: Zoya Akhtar
Producer: Excel Entertainment & Tiger Baby
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin, Siddhant Chaturvedi​​​​​​​
Rating: 4/5 stars

3%20Body%20Problem
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreators%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20David%20Benioff%2C%20D%20B%20Weiss%2C%20Alexander%20Woo%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBenedict%20Wong%2C%20Jess%20Hong%2C%20Jovan%20Adepo%2C%20Eiza%20Gonzalez%2C%20John%20Bradley%2C%20Alex%20Sharp%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

The studios taking part (so far)
  1. Punch
  2. Vogue Fitness 
  3. Sweat
  4. Bodytree Studio
  5. The Hot House
  6. The Room
  7. Inspire Sports (Ladies Only)
  8. Cryo