All safety checks done: Dubai tourist hotspots ready for visitors

From popular landmarks to hotels and leisure spots, Dubai has put all hands on deck to roll out the red carpet for tourists who will be arriving in the emirate from tomorrow, July 7. Top-draw destinations around the city have outlined their preparations to receive in-bound visitors.

Working closely with key executives from the aviation, travel and hospitality sectors, Dubai Tourism has assured global travellers that comprehensive safety measures have been put in place to prevent the transmission of Covid-19. The emirate is not only a 'must-visit destination' but one that boasts world-class health and safety standards. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) gave the emirate the Safe Travel stamp last week, validating the stringent hygiene and safety protocols the city has put in place in preparation for tourists.

Here's how Dubai tourist attractions are ensuring safety:

At an iconic landmark: Dubai Frame

A representative for Dubai Frame noted that the attraction has incorporated all necessary health and safety protocols, including temperature checks at the entrance, thermal scanners, social distancing signage requiring guests to maintain a distance of two metres between each other, and regular sanitisation of the facilities.

At leisure hubs: Cinemas, Ski Dubai

Cameron Mitchell, chief executive officer of Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure and Entertainment, noted that the group used the recent closures to conduct extensive research to "proactively reimagine the guest journey" across their offerings, such as VOX Cinemas, Ski Dubai, Dreamscape, Magic Planet, Little Explorers and iFly Dubai.

"Guests can now enjoy a completely queue-less experience by advance-booking tickets online and we also offer contactless payment options," he said. The group has also introduced safe distancing ambassadors.

Mitchell noted that they have received "overwhelmingly positive" feedback, with almost 100 per cent of Ski Dubai guests surveyed saying that they are either "satisfied or extremely satisfied" with the new protective measures in place.

At a five-star hotel: Atlantis, The Palm

A representative for Atlantis, The Palm, affirmed that standards for hygiene and cleanliness are taken "very seriously" at the hotel to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

The five-star property has undertaken extensive measures, including assigning alternate counters for guest registration and allocating rooms with one room vacant in between to enforce social distancing. It also trained staff on Covid-19 protocols and increased the frequency of air filter replacement and HVAC system cleaning.

Every guest room is also equipped with an amenity kit, consisting of masks, gloves, and hand and spray sanitisers.

At a family attraction: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Speaking to Khaleej Times, the management at popular family attraction Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, said they have enhanced health and safety protocols by increasing the frequency of cleaning and sanitisation, implementing a health screening programme for all employees, and conducting employee temperature checks before every shift.

Social distancing will be enforced at counters and inside the venues, and the number of visitors allowed per slot per experience will be limited.

The management noted that prices to some of their most popular experiences have also been slashed by more than 50 per cent to draw in families and visitors.