Dubai orders capacity reductions, closes bars as virus cases soar
The UAE's largest city remained mostly open as normal until a recent outbreak.
Dubai has instituted several capacity restrictions and closed bars as coronavirus cases continue to climb in the United Arab Emirates.
Starting on Feb. 2, entertainment centers such as movie theaters and sports venues must reduce capacity by 50%. Hotels, malls, pools and private beaches must also operate at 70% capacity. Restaurants and cafes need to close by 1:00 a.m., among other restrictions, the Dubai Media Office said in a notice.
The measures will be in place until Feb. 28. The city also ordered all bars to close entirely, The Associated Press reported.
Dubai had one of the strictest lockdowns in the world at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last spring, the city began easing restrictions and allowed tourists to return in July.
