Indoor theme parks and summer camps in Dubai now open

Here’s a look at some of the precautions being taken as activities restart in the emirate

Indoor theme park IMG Worlds of Adventure will soon reopen to the public. Antonie Robertson / The National

In a new circular, the Government of Dubai and Dubai Economy have announced the reopening of recreational activities, indoor theme parks and summer camps for children.

It is the latest in a long line of moves to ease the restrictions in Dubai, which also includes the reopening of spas and massage services.

Recreational activities include fun fairs, facilities offering rides, soft play areas, indoor and inflatable playgrounds, virtual and edutainment facilities, arcades, escape rooms, as well as spaces offering interactive entertainment.

However parties and social gatherings, and baby and toddler soft play areas (ball pits for example) are still not allowed.

Indoor theme parks can also resume operations, although one-on-one meet and greets, events, live entertainment and parties, parades and social gatherings are still prohibited.

Each ride will allow one individual per vehicle (unless it's a family, in which case, they can be seated together). Every alternative vehicle is to be left empty. Wherever possible, a single person use of the ride is encouraged, and when it comes to group games, two metres of social distancing needs to be ensured.

However, Dubai Parks and Resorts announced last week it will postpone reopening until Wednesday, September 23, as part of an enhancement programme that includes 12 new rides coming to the theme park. Indoor entertainment destination IMG Worlds of Adventure is scheduled to open on Friday, July 10.

Meanwhile, all summer camps running in all types of facilities (including child centres, sports clubs, gyms, schools, hotels and libraries) are now allowed to reopen for children. However, nurseries will remain closed for the time being.

Strict safety measures have to be followed as these facilities and services resume operations. There will be mandatory temperature screenings, face masks, and social distancing protocol (two metres between individuals) while cleaning and hygiene requirements will also be in place.

According to the circular, all facilities should designate a hygiene officer from the team to supervise the daily cleaning and to ensure hygiene precautions are being followed.

In light of the announcement, entertainment venues such as Dreamscape, Magic Planet, Little Explorers and iFly Dubai reopened to the public on Saturday, July 4.