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UAE businesses have welcomed the recent announcement by authorities to lift capacity limits at shopping malls, entertainment and F&B venues, public transport and social gatherings with effect from February 15. They have expressed hope for recovering from the economic setback caused by the pandemic crisis.
UAE's industry executives have affirmed that the resumption of all sectors would facilitate more MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) events as well as family gatherings, thereby, generating more jobs in the country.
Meanwhile, UAE authorities have urged residents to continue following COVID-19 safety and sanitisation rules during their visits to public spaces and other venues in order to support ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic crisis.
Speaking in this regard, Sanjay Vazirani, chairman and managing director of Foodlink Global Restaurants and Catering Services, said that the new decision reaffirms UAE government's efforts to enhance safety and wellbeing of all community members from the pandemic crisis.
"The hospitality industry has been one of the worst affected worldwide, and the lifting of restrictions will give a much-needed boost to the industry," he said.
He further urged all consumers to be cautious and choose venues and service providers which are strictly following safety measures.
Eti Bhasin, the owner of Dhaba Lane, is expecting more family gatherings in public places going forward. "Earlier, families were to maintain social distance and couldn't enjoy whilst sitting together. With the ease of restrictions, we would get to see families back together again, with no restrictions in their number of passengers," Bhasin added.
Piyush Maloo, partner at Sagar Ratna, is expecting boost in the catering business with more and bigger private parties being held at villas and beaches after the removal of capacity limits.
"With restrictions being eased up, we can offer buffets for these bigger groups. Last but not least, we expect bigger family groups to dine-in with us," he added.
Ayman Ashor, general manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana hotel, hailed the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions as an opportunity to accommodate more guests, host larger events and conduct outside catering.
"It will bring more business to accelerate the economic growth after the pandemic. We look forward to ending this pandemic," Ashor said.
Ravneet Singh, associate director of sales and marketing at Arabian Courtyard Hotel, said the updated protocols would boost tourism and hospitality sector, especially social and corporate events.
"This will surely restore confidence amongst the travellers and rethinking of UAE as a preferred destination to travel in the near future," he added.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times