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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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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

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

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

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