Living In UAE

COVID-19: Cinema guidelines across the UAE

These are the precautions that you need to follow for your movie night out

Published: August 27, 2020 18:19 Huda Tabrez, Living in UAE Editor

1 of 18

As cinemas across the UAE open to the public, after months of suspension due to COVID-19, here is all you need to know about the precautions that have been put in place to ensure your movie night out is safe and enjoyable. — Are your planning for a movie night out? Here are the guidelines you need to know. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

2 of 18

On August 17, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development issued a circular, allowing owners of cinemas inside shopping malls across Abu Dhabi to resume operations. — Abu Dhabi cinemas Image Credit: Gulf News archives

3 of 18

However, cinema owners were required to comply with the following precautionary measures for COVID-19: — Cinemas have reopened at 30 per cent capacity. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

4 of 18

Social distancing to be implemented both vertically and horizontally throughout seating areas. — Seating arrangements need to ensure social distancing. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

5 of 18

All used seats to be sanitised between showings, and at least 20 minutes to be set aside between consecutive screenings for this purpose. — The cinemas would need to be disinfected between screening as well as at the end of the day. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

6 of 18

No tickets or pamphlets to be issued. Touch screens to be removed. — Promotional material will not be distributed. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

7 of 18

Dubai cinemas Dubai cinemas have re-opened as well and are operating at 50 per cent capacity. — Dubai cinemas are operating at a 50 per cent capacity. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

8 of 18

Frequency of shows to be reduced to allow sufficient time for effective sanitisation — Each show at a cinema hall needs to be scheduled after 20 to 30 minutes. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

9 of 18

Physical counters for ticket / food and beverage (F&B) sales to ensure social distancing — Hygiene procedures have been issued by Dubai Municipality, which need to be followed. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

10 of 18

Encourage pre-booking and online tickets with contactless check-in through bar codes — Online bookings are encouraged. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

11 of 18

Ticket selling counters to open one row and close one to ensure distancing. — While ticket counters are open, social distancing procedures will be in place. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

12 of 18

F&B is permitted inside movie halls. — Food and drinks also need to be served following precautionary measures. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

13 of 18

Consider serving food in smaller size portions intended mainly for individual consumption, and to avoid sharing as much as possible — Individual consumption is encouraged, as opposed to group servings. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

14 of 18

Restaurants, cafes and food stands to follow necessary guidelines for the sector. — Image Credit: Gulf News archives

15 of 18

Cinemas in Sharjah have also opened at 50 per cent capacity, with Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) issuing the following guidelines on June 22 — Sharjah cinemas have also reopened. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

16 of 18

Intensive sterilisation must be done on all cinema halls and other common areas every day. — Two empty seats need to be left between moviegoers. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

17 of 18

Distribution of promotional brochures must be avoided — Hand sanitisers need to be made readily available. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

18 of 18

Cinemas in Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah have also opened while maintaining similar precautionary measures. — Image Credit:

Browse by Categories

Related stories

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you. Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.