COVID-19: Saudi cancels events; Dubai suspends Global Village shows, weekend brunches
Saudi Arabia and UAE are suspending many events due to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
According to the Saudi Interior Ministry, entertainment activities and events as well as in-restaurant dining will be suspended for 10 days, but subject to renewal.
Saudi Arabia recorded 306 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday.
The UAE saw a huge surge in coronavirus cases, hitting a new peak of 3,977 on Wednesday. In line with the Dubai government’s recent safety precautions against COVID-19, the emirate’s Global Village suspended shows and street entertainment effective February 3 “until further notice”. Fireworks are also cancelled for the next two weekends.
As per an email sent to “partners and hotel establishments” by Dubai Tourism, “any activity that leads to large gatherings such as weekend brunches” is to be postponed.
This follows a circular released on February 1 by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management that ordered bars and pubs to be closed until the end of the month. Restaurants can also only operate until 1am under the new guidelines. According to circular, public are encouraged to report violations by individuals or establisments through Dubai police's call centre.
