Dubai, Abu Dhabi close major tourist attractions from today

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have temporarily announced plans to close its main tourist attractions, theme parks and cultural destinations from Sunday, March 15 until the end of the month as a precautionary measure to limit large gatherings in response to Covid-19.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said closed cultural sites will include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Qasr Al Hosn, Culture Foundation, Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort and Qasr Al Muwaiji.

Qasr Al Watan Tour, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will also be affected by the closure order.

Advisory notices will be updated regularly by visitor destinations across the emirate and the public is advised to check with each site directly for the latest information.

“The safety and well-being of our visitors and staff is of paramount importance to us. We will update you once the cultural sites resume normal operations,” the Department said in a statement.

Other cultural centres including Bait Al Oud, Berklee Abu Dhabi, and Al Qatara Art Centre will operate as usual, offering art classes with restrictions on health and safety measures.

In a tweet, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) directed all entertainment destinations to suspend operations.

It also ordered all hospitality establishments and wedding halls to suspend wedding gatherings from Sunday until the end of the month.

Inspections will be carried out to verify compliance with the circular, it added.