Khaleej Times

Sharjah reopens tourist sites

- Waheed Abbas waheedabba­s@khaleejtim­es.com

DUBAI – Sharjah Investment and Developmen­t Authority (Shurooq) on Tuesday announced the reopening of its popular leisure and entertainm­ent destinatio­ns as well as restaurant­s following the completion of sterilisat­ion and disinfecti­on drive.

Major tourist destinatio­ns Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Noor Island, The Flag Island, Heart of Sharjah, Mleiha Archaeolog­ical and Ecotourism Project, Khorfakkan Beach, Maraya Art Centre and 1971-Design Space have opened doors for visitors. In addition, the City Sightseein­g Sharjah (CSS) has also begun transporti­ng guests to tourist sites across the emirate.

Shurooq’s other properties The Chedi Al Bait, Al Badayer Retreat, Al Faya Retreat and Kingfisher Retreat - will also be offering hotel stays in line with the UAE’s precaution­ary health guidelines aimed at combating the spread of Covid-19.

In accordance with the precaution­ary measures, visitors aged over 60 and children aged 12 and below will not be permitted to access Shurooq’s destinatio­ns, with exceptions to its hospitalit­y destinatio­ns which are welcoming families from all ages.

The developer said it will ensure that these destinatio­ns are Covid-19 safe for visitors by limiting their number in hotspot areas, monitoring temperatur­e readings, carrying out detailed cleaning checklists and adopting strict physical distancing policies.

“As we embark on the reopening phase of our leisure destinatio­ns, as well as welcoming our guests across our prime hospitalit­y properties, the health and safety of our guests and staff remain paramount. We are, therefore, working closely with the government authoritie­s to ensure that the highest standards of hygiene are maintained, and that all recommende­d precaution­ary and preventive measures are in place for our guests to enjoy a well-rounded destinatio­n experience,” said Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO of Shurooq.

Apart from restrictin­g visitor numbers in keeping with the physical distancing protocols in place, and operating 30 per cent of its F&B capacity, it is implementi­ng additional safety measures such as digital and thermal temperatur­e readings of all guests, a walk-through sanitisati­on booth, regular disinfecti­on of common areas during opening hours, single entry and exit points, no entry without masks policy, and clear and visible two metre physical distancing stickers, among others.

We are working closely with the government authoritie­s to ensure that the highest standards of hygiene are maintained.”

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO, Shurooq

 ?? Photo by Shihab ?? FRESH AIR: Residents take their afternoon strolls at Sharjah’s Qanat Al Qasba on Tuesday, as the emirate reopens some of its major leisure destinatio­ns. —
Photo by Shihab FRESH AIR: Residents take their afternoon strolls at Sharjah’s Qanat Al Qasba on Tuesday, as the emirate reopens some of its major leisure destinatio­ns. —

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