Bars across Dubai can now reopen, but there are strict new measures in place.
Last month, on Wednesday, June 24, a directive from Dubai Police was issued to bars in the emirate saying they would not be allowed to serve alcohol until further notice. It led many bars to shut again after the initial temporary closures in March.
The June directive said licensed restaurants could continue to serve alcohol, as long as food was purchased. But now all bars can resume operating, according to a circular from the Government of Dubai and Dubai Tourism.
The new guidelines include stipulations that drinks must be ordered at tables, and delivered there by waitstaff – meaning no more queueing or placing drink orders at the bar.
Used plates, cutlery and glassware must be collected from tables by waitstaff and glasses must be washed "comprehensively" after use by customers.
All staff and customers must be temperature checked on arrival, and masks must be worn until people are seated at a table.
All tables must be placed two metres apart and each table must have no more than five people, or three people at "cocktail" tables. All furniture and seating must be spaced out to comply with social distancing guidelines.
No queuing is allowed outside the venue, and there should be no waiting area inside the venue, either.
No large social gatherings or parties are allowed to take place. Dancefloors are also not allowed to operate. Free snacks are not allowed (such as shared bowls of nuts or popcorn etc), and drinks may not be shared.
High usage areas, such as toilets, table tops and door handles, must be cleaned and sanitised at least once every hour.
Entertainment remains limited to solo acts (so no groups or bands), and performers can perform only on stage, at least two metres away from customers. Audience interaction is prohibited and the performer must wear a mask at all times.
Valet parking is allowed, with disposable covers used on the seats and steering wheels. Each valet station will have sanitising wipes to wipe down all surfaces touched, before handing over the car.
The valet attendant will also be encouraged to "keep the AC on for some time" before delivering the car back to the guest, to ensure proper air circulation.
According to the circular, nightclubs aren't yet reopening.
Shisha was also reintroduced into cafes over the weekend, five months after it was banned due to the virus outbreak.
As with much of the service industry, staff must wear masks at all times and clean pipes and hookahs after every use.
Only disposable shisha hoses can be used and groups are not allowed to sit together.
Officials warned operators that social distancing and strict hygiene standards must be adhered to and that "regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance'".
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Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
A Cat, A Man, and Two Women
Junichiro Tamizaki
Translated by Paul McCarthy
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Fourth-round clashes for British players
- Andy Murray (1) v Benoit Paire, Centre Court (not before 4pm)
- Johanna Konta (6) v Caroline Garcia (21), Court 1 (4pm)
