Dubai to resume sports competitions; starting with marine events

The Dubai Sports Council has announced plans to resume marine and water sports competitions.

A number of events are expected to take place in the coming days off the coast of the emirate and the picturesque Hatta Dam Lake.

However, the competitions will be held behind closed doors, with no fans or visitors allowed inside the venues.

The age limitations also remain, which means, children below the age of 12 and adults above 60 will not be allowed to take part in the competitions.

Staff older than 60 years of age will also not be allowed inside the facilities, along with anyone suffering from chronic or respiratory diseases.

Wearing of masks will be mandatory for everyone, and the Council also recommends use of protective goggles or face shields.

A detailed list of protocols has been prepared to ensure the safety of everyone involved in these competitions, and the order of resumption will be limited to events that conform to these guidelines, and obtain prior approval from Dubai Sports Council.

Organisers have to maintain the hygiene and sanitization requirements at the venue as per Dubai Municipality guidelines, which includes complete sterilisation of the venue before and after the competition, and maintaining a regular cleaning regime along with cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and common areas at least once every hour, and shared objects each time they are used.

They must also make sure safe distancing is maintained and that sterilizers are available in all necessary areas.

The latest decision is part of a series of announcements by the Council to gradually reopen the sports sector following weeks of closure due to COVID-19.

It's in line with the Government of Dubai’s plan to gradually open all sectors of life in the emirate, and complies with instructions issued by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, and related government agencies.

.@DubaiSC announces decision to resume competitions, starting with marine sportshttps://t.co/nxJfgGlGWP pic.twitter.com/u6m3LBM0T6

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 17, 2020