The Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai and the Emirate’s Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management have approved the return of spectators to sports events in the emirate at a maximum capacity of 30 percent. The decision was taken by Dubai authorities after Dubai Sports Council's consistent efforts to ensure that spectators are able to watch sports events at stadiums while following health and safety protocols in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the emirate. Dubai Media Office confirmed the development on Twitter stating that DSC's health and safety protocols resulted in obtaining approval from the Executive Council and the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai for return of spectators to sports events at a maximum capacity of 30 percent.

As per the statement issued by the DSC, preparations are underway for the return of spectators at upcoming sports tournaments organised by the Council or other entities. The UAE, with Dubai in particular, has become a popular destination among international clubs and teams for organising training camps and international tournaments in the country.

Noting the recent success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket tournament, the UAE is all set to host seven Asian football teams who will be setting up camps in the country to prepare for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup 2023. The UAE will also serve as host to an Israeli-American cycling expedition.

At the same time, Dubai is expecting several English, German and Chinese football teams for their winter training camp in the coming days.

In line with the preparations for the Tokyo Olympics 2020, Dubai is also preparing to host a number of athletes and international teams for training camps in the coming days. Tokyo Olympics 2020 is scheduled to take place in Summer 2021 after it was postponed this year due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Dubai Sports Council has been in contact with various sports federations and National Olympic Committees of a number of countries across the world who are seeking to set up their training camps in the emirate to prepare their athletes and teams for the next Olympics. The Council has assured to provide all necessary facilities for setting up the training camps, including entry visas and training in advanced sports facilities in Dubai.