Dubai: Hotels across Dubai are gearing up to the possibility of a dry night on Valentine’s Day as birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) will be observed on February 15.
An email on Thursday issued by a prominent five-star hotel in Deira stated that due to religious reasons, February 14 this year will be a dry night.
“We just got word from the government that we cannot serve alcohol on 14th February.”
Accordingly, the hotel will hold their Valentine’s Day events on February 13.
A spokesperson for another five star hotel in Tecom area said that although rumours are rife about Valentine’s being dry, no confirmation has been received as yet. “Normally, notices about not being allowed to serve alcohol on religious occasions are issued just days prior to the actual event. However, since the information has been conveyed through word of mouth, instead of Valentine’s night promotions, the hotel will have a Valentine’s weekend promotion.
The director of sales and marketing of another popular five star hotel told XPRESS that she was in touch with other hotels “in Garhoud, DFC and Deira, enquiring what’s on in their hotels for Valentine’s and if it’s still going to be a night of merriment since it’s a religious affair the next day (on February 15). We sought advice and the DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing) has just confirmed with us that alcohol is not to be served from 6pm on February 14 to 6pm on February 15.”
The sales director added that the authorities were expected to send an official letter to all hotels at the start of February.
There was no immediate comment available from the DTCM. But a spokesperson said an update may be available on Sunday.
