Saturday 28 March 2020

#Dubai braces for financial hit as coronavirus batters vital tourism - Reuters

Dubai braces for financial hit as coronavirus batters vital tourism - Reuters:

The sundecks on Dubai’s beaches lie empty, and red flags warn visitors away from the waterfront to protect the Middle East’s tourism hub against coronavirus.

Aerial view of the Sheikh Zayed Road, following the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 26, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar

The infection is starting to deliver a painful blow to Dubai, one of the most visited cities globally, with some hotels closed and occupancy rates falling to less than 10% in others.

Hotels are working to protect remaining staff and guests, taking their temperature and giving them hand sanitizer. Restaurants have been reconfigured to space out dining tables.

But hotel workers worry this slowdown is only the start of something more damaging, and while authorities have said beaches and pools will be closed for just two weeks, officials have indicated those restrictions could be renewed.

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