The year-end holiday season is fast approaching. Like every other celebration since the start of the pandemic, this one will be different, too.
Precautionary measures – including masks, restrictions on gatherings and maintaining physical distancing – remain in place to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Adhering to such measures affects how people will be able to get together at times such as National Day, Christmas and New Year.
On Tuesday, authorities issued a set of rules listing precautionary measures for larger events, such as concerts, that may be held over the period.
But what about gatherings at home?
Will you be allowed to invite family and friends over to celebrate?
The National explains.
Can I hold a party at home with friends?
No. Parties and gatherings of friends are still banned under rules announced earlier in the outbreak.
This was reinforced in September when an actress was fined for holding a birthday party at two restaurants.
“She had a number of guests gathered in a closed place, which is in breach of the resolution issued by the UAE’s Attorney General," said Brig Jamal Al Jallaf, director of criminal investigations at Dubai Police, at the time.
Anyone holding a gathering in a public or private place – including a home – will face a Dh10,000 fine under rules to curb the spread of the virus, he said.
Those who attend a gathering will be fined Dh5,000.
A spokeswoman for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority confirmed there had been no change to the protocols regarding gatherings since then.
Authorities recommend holding digital celebrations instead.
What about family? Can I invite them over to celebrate?
Yes. In September, authorities said gatherings of up to 10 family members could take place, but they emphasised that safety measures must be followed.
All first-degree relatives who plan to attend are advised to take a Covid-19 test 24 hours prior to the event.
At the event itself, buffets are banned and all food should be served using disposable crockery.
Physical distancing of two metres between guests must be maintained and hosts should remind them to wash their hands regularly.
Surfaces must continuously be sanitised, according to the notice from authorities.
Anyone who is unwell, elderly or has a chronic illness should not attend.
Non-compliance with safety measures will lead to penalties and fines, in accordance with the laws issued by the UAE Attorney General.
What about concerts and workplace celebrations?
Workplace celebrations are banned altogether, as are marches.
Concerts are allowed, but only after receiving approval from authorities.
Additional precautionary measures must be in place, including mandatory temperature checks for all in attendance and assigning dedicated isolation areas for those who may be sick.
Entry and exit routes must also be clearly marked.
Advance bookings should be encouraged and events must last no longer than three to four hours.
All areas at public facilities must be cleaned and sterilised every hour.
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
KYLIAN MBAPPE 2016/17 STATS
Ligue 1: Appearances - 29, Goals - 15, Assists - 8
UCL: Appearances - 9, Goals - 6
French Cup: Appearances - 3, Goals - 3
France U19: Appearances - 5, Goals - 5, Assists - 1
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
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%3Cp%3EThe%20Zayed%20Centre%20for%20Research%20is%20a%20partnership%20between%20Great%20Ormond%20Street%20Hospital%2C%20University%20College%20London%20and%20Great%20Ormond%20Street%20Hospital%20Children%E2%80%99s%20Charity%20and%20was%20made%20possible%20thanks%20to%20a%20generous%20%C2%A360%20million%20gift%20in%202014%20from%20Sheikha%20Fatima%20bint%20Mubarak%2C%20Chairwoman%20of%20the%20General%20Women's%20Union%2C%20President%20of%20the%20Supreme%20Council%20for%20Motherhood%20and%20Childhood%2C%20and%20Supreme%20Chairwoman%20of%20the%20Family%20Development%20Foundation.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi
From: Dara
To: Team@
Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT
Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East
Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.
Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.
I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.
This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.
It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.
Uber on,
Dara
RACECARD
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m
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