As part of the stringent measures to help contain and prevent the spread of novel coronavirus or COVID-19, authorities in Dubai have announced the closure of leisure and entertainment attractions, in addition to the closure of schools and cancellation of huge events.
These measures come soon after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, which means that the health of people all over the world are under threat.
Dubai Authorities Announce Closures Amid COVID-19 Threat
Through a series of tweets, the Dubai Media Office shared several announcements regarding the closure of leisure and entertainment attractions in the emirate, to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Specifically, these announcements include:
#1 – Closure of Cinemas, Theme Parks, Amusement Centres, & Fitness Gyms
The Department of Economic Development (DED) has released a circular directing ALL cinemas, theme parks, amusement centres, and fitness gyms to halt activities and services until the end of the month.
In line with ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, @Dubai_DED directs all cinemas, theme parks, amusement games & electronic game centres, bodybuilding & fitness gyms & spring camps licensed in #Dubai to halt all their activities & services until end of March 2020. pic.twitter.com/nAcZ0feS08
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 15, 2020
#2 – Closure of Global Village
The hugely popular Global Village has announced the early closure of its current season (2019-2020), and shall remain closed until the next season.
In line with ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, Global Village has announced the early closure of its 2019-2020 season with immediate effect. The @GlobalVillageAE looks forward to welcoming visitors for its next season. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/lnaHMKaNG3
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 15, 2020
#3 – Closure of Museums, Historical Sites, and Public Libraries
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has temporarily closed museums, historical sites, and public libraries until 31st March 2020.
.@DubaiCulture and Arts Authority announces the temporary closure of museums, historical sites and public libraries in #Dubai with immediate effect from today (Sunday 15 March, 2020) till the end of the month. pic.twitter.com/DtTrsYbw6n
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 15, 2020
#4 – Closure of Massage Parlours and Spas
The DED has directed all massage parlours and spas to halt their operations until the end of the month.
In line with ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, @Dubai_DED directs all establishments licensed to operate massage parlours and spas to suspend these activities with immediate effect from today (15 March, 2020) till the end of March. pic.twitter.com/RG0VQDHtEy
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 15, 2020
#5 – Closure of Public Parks and Entertainment Facilities
Dubai Municipality has announced the closure of all public parks and entertainment facilities starting 15th March 2020 until further notice.
بلدية #دبي تغلق الحدائق والوجهات الترفيهية التابعة لها بشكل مؤقت اعتباراً من اليوم الأحد 15 مارس وحتى إشعار آخر. pic.twitter.com/O4DdnygDBI
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 15, 2020
In addition, Dubai Municipality has stepped up its cleaning and disinfection procedures at different locations in the emirate. As the following video shared by @DXBMediaOffice shows, these procedures are carried out around midnight, to avoid disturbing the public:
#Dubai Municipality boosts cleaning & disinfection procedures at various locations in Dubai. Measures are carried out at around midnight to avoid public disturbance. pic.twitter.com/IaqpGXoFZv
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 13, 2020
Aside from Dubai, other emirates have also implemented stringent measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In Abu Dhabi, for instance, authorities have announced the closure of tourist attractions, theme parks, and cultural destinations until the end of the month. These include Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and other popular destinations in the capital.
Number of COVID-19 Cases in the UAE
As of this writing, there is a total of 98 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UAE. The latest 12 cases include three Indians, one Australian, one British, one Chinese, one Iranian, one Italian, one Lebanese, one South African, one Emirati, and one Filipino.
As these numbers continue to rise — not only in the UAE but in different countries around the world — let us all do our part by practicing good hygiene, social distancing, and by staying updated with the latest news from official information sources.