Coronavirus: shisha services to resume in Ras Al Khaimah from Monday

Authorities said customers could partake in the popular practice as long as outlets adhere to strict safety measures

Shisha services can now resume in Ras Al Khaimah after being banned for close to five months. The National    

Cafes in Ras Al Khaimah are allowed to serve shisha from Monday, almost five months after its use was halted due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Rak Muncipality issued a directive permitting restaurants and cafes in the emirate to resume services at a 50 per cent capacity.

Establishments were ordered to stop serving shisha on March 12 to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Officials said social distancing practices and strict hygiene standards must be followed at the facilities, such as wearing face masks and providing hand sterilizers, while only disposable shisha hoses will be allowed.

Shisha water should be changed after each use along with deep washing and disinfection of the shisha.

Employees will be banned from testing the shisha before handing it over to the customer while only four people will be allowed to sit on one table.

“These procedures are in effect until further notice, and regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with the circular implementation while necessary measures will be taken against non-compliant establishments,” said the municipality.

On July 18, Dubai cafes resumed shisha services.