Dubai businesses can resume normal operating hours after stay-home orders lifted

Dubai Economy called on firms to continue to adhere to safety measures as restrictions are eased

Commuters cross a busy street in Dubai's old town. Pawan Singh / The National

Staff and nurses manage the front desk at King's College Hospital in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident braves the heat for a fitness session on the Corniche promenade. Victor Besa / The National

Cyclists carrying their lunch take a spin on the Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

Workers climb scaffolding at an under-construction building in Dubai's Satwa area. Pawan Singh / The National

A construction worker rests during the mandatory midday break, which runs through the summer. Pawan Singh / The National

Cranes tower over a building at Emaar's Dubai Hills development. Antonie Robertson / The National

Construction work on key developments continues amid virus outbreak. Antonie Robertson / The National

Ongoing construction work in the new Emaar development, Dubai Hills. Antonie Robertson / The National

A commuter walks to the bus stop with an umbrella in Jumeriah, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Pharmacy counter at King's College Hospital, Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident walks along the Corniche in her attempt to stay fit during the Covid-19 pandemic. Victor Besa / The National

Men wearing face masks at a pedestrian crossing in the Al Quoz industrial area, Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National

Careem and Deliveroo riders pictured on the streets of Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai businesses can return to normal operating hours after stay-home orders in place for three months were lifted this week.

Officials revealed late on Wednesday night that restrictions on movement had been eased following the completion of a national sterilisation programme aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.

It means residents - who were told to previously to remain indoors from 11pm to 6am in Dubai - can now venture outside once more.

The decision also affords the opportunity for parts of the economic sector - such as supermarkets, malls and restaurants - to resume their standard timings.

Infection rates across the Emirates are continuing to decline - with numbers of recoveries now outpacing new cases - but authorities have called on residents and organisations to remain responsible and adhere to safety measures.

Dubai Economy said staff and customers must still wear masks while premises are mandated to have physical distancing safety signs and markings, carry out temperature checks on people entering and conduct regular sterilisation.

The authority also encouraged the use of smart and contactless payment methods provided to help contain the virus.

Dubai Economy reiterated that inspections of premises will continue to be carried out to ensure they are operating in line with Covid-19 safety measures.

Officials urged consumers to report any non-compliance to the Covid-19 precautionary guidelines via the Dubai Consumer App available on Apple, Google, and Huawei stores, by calling 600545555, or on the Consumerrights.ae website.