Web Report

Helal Al Marri, the director general of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), on Tuesday said the emirate could reopen for tourists from early July, according to media reports.

While speaking to TV channel, Al Marri said the reopening is likely to be gradual and could be delayed until September, depending on the situation and global trends surrounding Covid-19.

“The thing about the scenario is a global question. Many countries remain closed and it’s more about the bilateral discussion,” Al Marri said.

Currently, in-bound air traffic is not allowed by the UAE authorities in order to rein in the spread of coronavirus in the country. The UAE and other foreign airlines are only repatriating stranded people out of the UAE to their respective countries.

Tourism is one of the largest contributors to the emirate’s economy. Dubai received 16.7 million tourists last year, contributing more than Dh150 billion to the local economy.

Dubai has not been issuing tourist and visitors visas since mid-March in order to contain the virus.

On March 15, Dubai’s Global Village announced the early closure of its 2019-2020 season, and said will now welcome guests only for the next season.

“In line with ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, Global Village has announced the early closure of its 2019-2020 season with immediate effect. Global Village looks forward to welcoming visitors for its next season,” the Dubai Media Office said in a tweet.

“Because excellent guest experience is at the centre of everything we do and in conjunction with the authorities, we have decided to close our season early this year as a preventive measure. We look to welcoming you back to Global Village for our 25th season later this year,” Global Village said.