Update: Movement restrictions in Dubai (from 27 May 2020)
On 25 May 2020, the Government of Dubai amended the timings of movement restrictions in the emirate. Accordingly, from 27 May 2020, movement throughout Dubai will be allowed for the public from 6am until 11pm. The government also requested the public to observe the precautionary measures such as wearing face masks, observing physical distancing of minimum two metres, sanitising or washing hands regularly when they step out.
Update - Easing movement restrictions in Dubai
Update
From 24 April 2020, which coincides with the start of the holy month of Ramadan, Dubai Government decided to partially reduce restrictions on the movement in the emirate.
As per the decision, public movement will be restricted only between 10 pm and 6 am. During this period, the public will be allowed to leave their homes only for medical emergencies. Between 6 am and 10 pm, individuals will be allowed to leave their homes without a permit. However, individuals stepping out must follow precautionary measures which include maintaining physical distance from others and wearing a face mask and gloves. Those who do not wear a mask will be subject to a fine of AED 1,000.
Shopping malls, markets and commercial outlets may open daily to the public from 12 pm to 10 pm. Restaurants and shops are allowed to operate with only those many number of customers that amount to 30 per cent of the establishment’s capacity of occupancy. Restaurants and cafés are not permitted to serve shisha and buffet.
In addition, Dubai Government issued a new list of sectors that are allowed to operate while observing specific conditions. This list includes:
- Shopping malls
- Retail shops
- Open souqs
- Pharmacies
- Financial services
- Restaurants and cafes (shisha and buffets will not be served)
- Food services
- Delivery services
- Social welfare services
- Maintenance and repair services
- Laundry services
- Nail and hair salons (only through pre-booked appointments)
- Healthcare services (hospitals and clinics)
- Food supply outlets
- Industrial supply chain for services and basic commodities
- Manufacturers of medicines and providers of healthcare and medical supplies
- Industrial sectors
- Water and electricity sector, petrol and gas stations and district cooling services
- Telecommunications
- Media
- Airports, airlines, ports, shipping
- Customs duty and border crossings
- Public and private security services
- Municipality services and public and private service providers involved in garbage collection, sewage management and general cleaning and sanitation
- Public Transport (taxis, buses and metro)
- Construction sector
- Hotels
- Office.
A maximum of 30 per cent of the workforce of these sectors are allowed to work from their offices while the rest will be required to work from home.
Public transport services including Dubai metro services resumed on 26 April 2020.
Read more on partial easing of restrictions on movement in Dubai.
Note: During the permitted hours of movement all over the UAE, people are required follow these guidelines on visiting and exercising during Ramadan 1441.
Movement permits in Dubai
Following the restrictions issued on 4 April 2020 relating to disinfection in Dubai, the Dubai Government requested the public to stay home 24/7.
People are allowed to step out only to get essential services such as food, medical emergencies and testing for COVID-19. They may step out only between 8am and 2 pm that too after applying for a movement permit. People stepping out must wear gloves and a mask and maintain physical distance. For inquiries and help, call the hotline 800737648.
Employees of the following sectors are exempt from restricted movement 24/7 and are not required to register for a permit provided they are going to perform their duties. However, they must carry their Emirates ID, labour card and a letter from their employer stating that the employee needs to report to work. This letter may be presented to authorities if asked and can also be used to waive violations registered through the radars. Exempted sectors are:
- Food supply outlets (Union Cooperative outlets, supermarkets, groceries)
- Delivery services (food and medicine)
- Restaurants (operations limited to home deliveries only)
- Manufacturers of medicines and providers of healthcare and medical supplies
- Industrial sector (only vital industries)
- Industrial supply chain for services and basic commodities
- Water and electricity sector, petrol and gas stations and district cooling services
- Telecommunications sector
- Media sector
- Airports, airlines, ports, shipping
- Customs duty and border crossings
- Public and private security services
- Municipality services and public and private service providers involved in garbage collection, sewage management and general cleaning and sanitation
- Private and government sector organisations involved in combating the coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Public transport (buses and taxis only; metro and tram services will be suspended)
- Construction sector, subject to obtaining a permit from Dubai Municipality and the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs
- Support sectors – (Employees working in these sectors are permitted to commute to work between 8.00 am and 2.00 pm)
- Banking and financial services (banks and exchange centres)
- Social welfare services
- Laundry services (for permitted outlets)
- Maintenance services.
Find FAQs about Dubai Movement permit.
Self sanitisation walk in Dubai
Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services has introduced a ‘self sanitisation walk’ to protect paramedics from catching any illness or infection from microbes that may get attached to their clothes while working with confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19.
The self sanitisation walk involves the paramedics passing through a device that sprays a mist that disinfects clothes and shoes in less than 20 seconds.
The device detects movements and sprays the disinfectant only when a person passes through it; thus, saving energy. The device also dispenses hand sanitisers.
Read related news coverage on WAM.
Updated On :
29 Oct 2024
