Is disposable cutlery mandatory? Faqs about eating at UAE restaurants

As restaurants over the UAE are now open again, The National realizes exactly what diners can get from eating out.

Dubai

In late April, restaurants in Dubai were permitted to reopen with a limited capacity of 30 per cent. This has since been increased to a 50 % capacity, with strict guidelines on ensuring social distancing between tables.

Much like other industries, personnel and customers will need to have their temperatures checked on arrival, plus wear face masks when entering and leaving, however, not while eating. People over the age of 60 aren't permitted in restaurants.

Are hospitality employees regularly tested for Covid-19?

There are no rules regarding regular Covid-19 testing, but in line with governmental requirements, employees will need to have their temperatures checked frequently and if they're showing any observeable symptoms, they are isolated immediately.

How often are tables and chairs disinfected in the restaurants?

According to official guidelines, tables and chairs should be disinfected after every use and before a shift.

Eugenie Dronneau of FoodKarma says: “Food and beverage vendors are disinfecting every table and chair after each guest use, and many times a day whether or not empty, along with a team assigned to sanitise all heavy touchpoint areas many times throughout the day, ending with a deep general sanitation daily at closing time.”

Restaurants at Atlantis The Palm, for example, are doing this: “We've increased disinfection of high touchpoint areas across restaurants and bars, including hostess desks, service stations, service carts, beverage stations, counters, handrails and trays. They are sanitised at least one time every hour by a dedicated team.

“All restaurant tables, bar tops, stools and chairs will be sanitised using hospital-grade disinfection chemicals before and after every use.”

Do all restaurant staff need to wear masks all the time, including chefs?

Yes. According to the government’s guidelines, all staff front- and back-of-house must wear face masks. Dronneau explains: “All restaurant staff, without exception, must wear masks and gloves constantly. Masks and gloves are also changed many times a trip to the restaurant’s discretion, however in our experience many are taking conservative measures and doing this regularly.”

Are disposable plates and cutlery mandatory?

They are only mandatory to use at certain restaurants. Duncan Fraser-Smith, a founding member of the center East Restaurant Association and founder of LEADING EDGE Hospitality Agency, explains: “Restaurants that are equipped with the correct high-intensity deep clean and sterilisation dishwashing machines, as approved by the relevant UAE authorities, are utilising those facilities to keep up the highest degrees of cleanliness and sanitisation of crockery, cutlery and glassware.

“Those outlets that do not meet that requirement are required to use single-use, disposable options.”

At the Atlantis restaurants, that have the right equipment, reusable options are available and plates, glassware and cutlery are mechanically disinfected utilizing a dishwasher operating above 82°C.

Will there be a limit to the number of people that can be seated at one table?

The restaurants at Atlantis The Palm won't seat more than five persons per table.

This is always at the mercy of change and numbers have varied recently, however, says Fraser-Smith. “We are constantly monitoring the directives from the relevant UAE authorities and sharing that with those in the market, as this is a very dynamic situation.”

Will venues that used to host birthday parties and special events be able to do this?

No, not right now, as events are prohibited.

Can I go to brunch?

Yes, brunch is back at a number of Dubai restaurants, but with strict guidelines set up. For example, as per municipality guidelines, buffets are not permitted, but many Friday brunches remain returning.

Here’s a set of restaurants that are actually offering Friday brunch packages.

Are buffets allowed?

No. Due to the nature of buffet spreads, which involve various customers handling the same equipment and dip in to the same dishes, these have already been put on hold for the near future.

Have a look at our article on the future of self-service buffets to learn more.

Are children permitted to eat out?

Children between your ages of 3 and 12 are allowed into independent and hotel restaurants.

However, children below age 12, and those above age 60, are still not allowed to enter malls, cinemas or sports facilities. So, by default, food and beverage outlets within malls are off-limits for children, for the present time.

Here's a set of 15 restaurants you may take your kids to in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi

Early in May, Abu Dhabi's restaurants were allowed to reopen with limited capacity as high as 30 %, although this is likely to increase to 40 per cent next week.

This includes outlets outside malls, that may have up to two persons seated at each table, which should be distanced at least 2.5 metres apart.

Payments can only be produced electronically. Staff and customers must wear masks and gloves and disinfectants can be used frequently.

Outlets must only serve food and drink using disposable cutlery, and hand sanitiser dispensers must be available.

Adults older than 60 and children under the age of 12 aren't permitted.

Northern Emirates

Restaurants are now open with limited capacity and strict safety precautions in place across all the northern emirates.