Shisha services can resume in Abu Dhabi after 10-month ban

Officials allow for the serving of flavoured tobacco in line with Covid-19 safety measures at licensed restaurants and cafes

Shisha cafes can resume in Abu Dhabi but must comply with strict Covid-19 safety measures. The National

Licensed restaurants and cafes in Abu Dhabi can now resume shisha services in line with strict Covid-19 safety measures.

Authorities banned the serving of shisha across the emirate in March to limit the spread of the virus.

On Sunday, Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development said the long-standing tradition would be permitted at “licensed restaurants, cafes and tourist service facilities”.

Shisha smoking will be allowed once more as long as the following precautionary measures are met:

• Single-use hookah equipment and pipes must be used;

• Smoking areas must be isolated;

• Staff must undergo Covid-19 testing every two weeks;

• Regular temperature checks of both employees and customers are to be conducted;

• A maximum of four people can be sat at tables in venues;

• The number of cleaning shifts in all smoking areas is to be increased;

• The sampling of hookah before it is served is prohibited;

• All Covid-19 safety measures must be followed;

A ban on serving shisha was lifted in Dubai in July.

Ras Al Khaimah followed suit in August, with officials stating social distancing practices and strict hygiene standards, such as wearing face masks and providing hand sanitiser, must be followed.

Only disposable shisha hoses would be allowed.