Restrictions in UAE have been eased, despite 635 new cases of COVID-19 being reported. All shopping malls and private sector businesses in Dubai are now allowed to operate at 100% capacity, as of June 3rd, following months of operating at 30% capacity.
This news follows an announcement by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management and under the directives of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It comes as Dubai eases restrictions following lockdown and curfew measures announced in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
In line with a gradual reopening, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan yesterday declared the city is “taking off again.” The Crown Prince took to Instagram to share a picture of a first-class ticket on Emirates dated June 1st, bound for London, captioned “coming soon.” This social media post offered some optimism to his 10 million followers, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The chairman of the executive council held a meeting at Dubai Airport’s Terminal 3, in which he described Dubai Airport as the beating heart of the world, with Emirates airline as its artery.
In the meantime, the UAE has announced the reopening of airports across the country, for transit flights and repatriation of Emiratis and residents stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman, Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said on Twitter, “We welcome the UAE authorities’ decision to re-open UAE airports for all connecting travellers. Emirates and Flydubai will shortly announce the resumption of passenger flights to more cities with connections to, and through, Dubai.”
While Dubai is easing restrictions, although retaining an 11 pm to 4:30 am curfew and social distancing rules, Abu Dhabi has restricted access to and from the capital, alongside maintaining a limited capacity rule of 40% at malls and restaurants.
The UAE has warned residents of complying with the precautionary measures in place, as 635 new cases have been reported, bringing the total infections discovered in the country to 35,192.
