Dubai bars reopen with new guidelines: no queueing for a drink or free bar snacks

You'll now only be allowed to order a drink if you're seated

Buddha Bar in Dubai's Grosvenor House was one of the many bars to reopen over the weekend. Supplied

Bars across Dubai can now reopen, but there are strict new measures in place.

Last month, on Wednesday, June 24, a directive from Dubai Police was issued to bars in the emirate saying they would not be allowed to serve alcohol until further notice. It led many bars to shut again after the initial temporary closures in March.

The June directive said licensed restaurants could continue to serve alcohol, as long as food was purchased. But now all bars can resume operating, according to a circular from the Government of Dubai and Dubai Tourism.

The new guidelines include stipulations that drinks must be ordered at tables, and delivered there by waitstaff – meaning no more queueing or placing drink orders at the bar.

Used plates, cutlery and glassware must be collected from tables by waitstaff and glasses must be washed "comprehensively" after use by customers.

All staff and customers must be temperature checked on arrival, and masks must be worn until people are seated at a table.

All tables must be placed two metres apart and each table must have no more than five people, or three people at "cocktail" tables. All furniture and seating must be spaced out to comply with social distancing guidelines.

No queuing is allowed outside the venue, and there should be no waiting area inside the venue, either.

No large social gatherings or parties are allowed to take place. Dancefloors are also not allowed to operate. Free snacks are not allowed (such as shared bowls of nuts or popcorn etc), and drinks may not be shared.

High usage areas, such as toilets, table tops and door handles, must be cleaned and sanitised at least once every hour.

Entertainment remains limited to solo acts (so no groups or bands), and performers can perform only on stage, at least two metres away from customers. Audience interaction is prohibited and the performer must wear a mask at all times.

Valet parking is allowed, with disposable covers used on the seats and steering wheels. Each valet station will have sanitising wipes to wipe down all surfaces touched, before handing over the car.

The valet attendant will also be encouraged to "keep the AC on for some time" before delivering the car back to the guest, to ensure proper air circulation.

According to the circular, nightclubs aren't yet reopening.

Shisha was also reintroduced into cafes over the weekend, five months after it was banned due to the virus outbreak.

As with much of the service industry, staff must wear masks at all times and clean pipes and hookahs after every use.

Only disposable shisha hoses can be used and groups are not allowed to sit together.

Officials warned operators that social distancing and strict hygiene standards must be adhered to and that "regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance'".