The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has allowed the cinema hall owners in shopping mall in Abu Dhabi to resume operations. The cinemas can be reopened for public according to the new circular issued, provided proper precautionary measures and guidelines are implemented that have been issued by authorities for Covid-19.

On Monday, ADDED released the circular which allows cinemas to operate at 30% capacity of their halls. Directives are also mentioned in circular to regularly sanitize and clean all service facilities. The decision was made by ADDED in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee for COVID-19 pandemic.

Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, Under-Secretary of ADDED, said, “The new circular is part of the department’s efforts to support the services and entertainment sectors and expedite their gradual return in providing various activities to better serve the members of the community following a series of closure circulars due to pandemic.” He also said that cinema owners must ensure that physical distancing is maintained both inside and outside the cinema halls. Furthermore, wearing masks must be mandatory and regular screening must be performed for all staff members as well. “Granting the cinema reopening permit is subject to the fulfillment of all the set of requirements,” he clarified.

Al Balooshi added that circular contains all the necessary precautions needed to be maintained and followed to prevent Covid-19 spread. He said that adhering to these guidelines at all times is necessary to keep the operations of cinema halls functional. He emphasized that cinema halls that do not follow the guidelines and mandates in place and do not adhere to circular’s instructions would not be permitted to resume operations. He also highlighted that inspection teams from ADDED will visit the places to ensure proper maintaining and following of all instructions, and that violators would be penalized.

Al Balooshi mentioned that19 cinemas would be operating in the emirate - 12 in Abu Dhabi, 6 in Al Ain and 1 in Al Dhafra region. He stressed on the importance of conducting proper daily sanitisation of all cinema halls after the operational hours and also between shows. He said that a gap of 20-30 minutes will be there between two shows. Furthermore, hand sanitisers must be offered in all public areas, entries, exits, washrooms, and other high traffic areas.

Al Balooshi noted that all food and beverage products should be provided to public in disposable utensils, containers, and cups. Cinema owners are also advised to encourage visitors for using electronic payment methods and to buy tickets in advance online.

Cinemas are also instructed to allocate two seats per visitor, empty the seats on both sides, cancel an entire row between two rows, and place social distancing marks on the floor and also put instructions at entries, exits, ticket windows and refreshments areas. Public would not be allowed to use touch screens or use ticket dispensing machines. Additionally, distribution of any promotional leaflets or brochures to the public is prohibited.

ADDED has instructed cinema owners to conduct COVID-19 tests for all their staff members. Wearing gloves and masks is mandatory for all the cinema staff and visitors. Blankets, covers or massage seats in areas within cinema halls are not to be allowed for the visitors. 

WAM