The latest rules for dining in Dubai restaurants

New updates include increased table sizes and at-home catering…

On December 10, Dubai Municipality shared a new document outlining the guidelines for restaurants in Dubai. Among these updates is an increase in table sizes, for those who wish to dine in a group – tables can now hold a maximum of 10 guests, up from 8.

Tables of groups sized between five and 10 people shouldn’t be placed close to other groups of a similar size, and in between large groups Dubai Municipality recommends to place barriers as well as keep the two metre distance.

Customers are not allowed to stay at the premises for more than three hours at a time. While at the restaurant, customers should wear a face mask unless seated and dining, if you need to walk around the premises, you should put your mask back on.

Caterers are permitted to provide at-home buffet services for up to 10 people. However in the case of a wedding, this increases to 30 people, but the set-up cannot be self-served. Buffets in restaurants are permitted, served ‘canteen-style’ by the staff.

When queuing at venues, there must be a two metre distance between guests, which should be marked out with stickers on the floor. Stickers should also be placed on the floor in lifts.

Rules for takeaways and delivery now state that restaurants can increase their orders, with adequate food safety precautions. However, no more than 50 meals can be placed in one order.

Contactless payments are encouraged, but customers are welcome to pay with cash if required. Valet parking is allowed in all facilities, provided that safety guidelines are followed.

Dubai Municipality outlined that these updates will remain in place until further notice and that they will be carrying out regular checks. Any venues found not compliant with these rules will be penalised as such.

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