As the Emirate has started adjusting with the "new normal" way of living during the global pandemic, the government in Dubai has begun relaxing the restrictions imposed on many sectors and mandatory quarantine policies. Legal Consultants of Dubai, based on the recent orders issued by the government of Dubai concerning the removal of travel restrictions or attending offices, will discuss the recent updates in coronavirus situation in the corporate sector.

In the last week of May 2020, the government of Dubai officially announced the removal of city travel restrictions between 06:00 am until 11:00 pm and re-opening of most businesses. Wherein, it is essential to understand the companies which are allowed to resume their activities post this decision which is as follows:

  • Trading outlets (retail or wholesale)
  • Educational institutes
  • Gyms
  • Cinemas
  • Leisure places
  • Public entertainment places
  • Clinics

In the wake of the official decision of the government, the Department of Economic Development has been empowered to issue further guidelines on the hygiene standards to be followed by the authority.

Post the official release of the government decisions, the DED issued guidelines for limiting the occupancy of clients for each specific economic activity that has been allowed to re-open their business, and all businesses are obliged to adhere with the safety standards which includes wearing masks and proper sanitization.

The official decision initially allowed only 50% of the employees. However, the government from the beginning of June 2020 has allowed 100% of employees in most sectors of employment.

On the other hand, the employees working in the public sector have also been announced to restart their employment. Albeit, the government has allowed 100% public sector employees to rejoin the business; however, several employees are exempted to rejoin the company, which includes:

  • Pregnant ladies
  • Employees with special needs
  • Employees suffering from chronic diseases and immunity issues
  • Employees above the age of 60 years
  • Female employees with children going to school in 9th grade or less

In furtherance to the afore-mentioned rules, the government has stressed to the fact that the employees in all sectors shall adhere with COVID preventive measures such as wearing masks, temperature scanning at the entry and two-meter distancing. Almost all sectors in Dubai are allowed to restart the business, yet, every company is relying on remote access technology to ensure minimize the personal meetings.

Additionally, all corporate sector companies are avoiding personal meetings and are connecting with their clients through zoom and other internet applications to conduct meetings and proceed with running their business activities.

Lastly, regarding the courts and judicial authorities, even though most of the exercise, such as submission of cases and other applications, are being submitted through a remote access server. However, the court has recently started entertaining hearings in the court authorities in necessary cases, and simultaneously the court authorities are adhering to proper preventive measures and have minimized the number of lawyers who can attend the hearings.

The afore-mentioned information is relevant till the date it is written considering the ever-changing rules and regulations of the government, and it is advised to reach out to Civil Lawyers of Dubai to ensure you are following proper guidelines issued by the government in a global pandemic.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.