'I am positive about the future': Dubai's Habtoor Grand Resort and Waldorf Astoria getting ready to reopen
03 May, 2020
Fairmont Ajman and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah have both opened their doors to staycation guests in recent days, and today two hotels in Dubai are getting ready to reopen following the easing of travel restrictions in the UAE.
The Habtoor Grand Resort running a business Bay and the Waldorf Astoria on Palm Jumeirah are gearing up to welcome guests, says Khalaf Al Habtoor, founding chairman of the Al Habtoor Group.
In a series of videos posted to his Twitter page on Saturday, May 2, Al Habtoor said that preparations are under way for both hotels to reopen, though he didn’t specify specifically when that may happen.
“I am feeling positive about the near future. I am confident that the problem are certain to get better, and things can be even better than these were,” Al Habtoor said as he walked around the empty hotel premises, adding that he was thankful for the support of the UAE government.
The Dubai government has introduced a series of measures targeted at supporting its tourism sector during the Covid-19 crisis, including reducing or waiving fees, like a 50 per cent cut on municipality fees.
The other day, Helal Al Marri, director general of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, told Bloomberg TV that Dubai was gearing up to welcome tourists as soon as July.
The return of tourism, he noted, may happen gradually, taking on a staggered approach, which may be pushed back until September, based on when other countries ease travel restrictions.
Dubai suspended passenger arrivals in March to contain the spread of Covid-19 but has began to gradually relax restrictions as the pandemic is controlled.
"The thing relating to this current scenario is it’s a global question: many airports internationally remain closed and it’s really about the bilateral discussions that are under way to have a coordinated method of the reopening," Al Marri said.
Last week Dubai announced it could partially reopen its stores, a major tourist draw, amid a loosening of lockdown restrictions aimed at curbing the virus.
Travel allowed between emirates for staycations
Travel between your emirates is allowed given that residents are off the roads and indoors between 10pm and 6am, police said last week.
Most hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai which were taking bookings only offered in-room dining options without usage of facilities including pools, beach and gym.
Fairmont Ajman and Waldorf Astoria RAK were among those available to guests and with restaurants and bars open before evening curfew.
In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, Fairmont Ajman will only run at 30 % capacity in conditions of guests, and sun beds at its pool and on its beach will stay two metres apart.
Source: www.thenational.ae
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