Middle East

Dubai introduces ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp to certify tourism and retail establishments

Dubai desert

Dubai has launched a new compliance programme to certify and recognise hotels and retail establishments, F&B outlets and attractions that have implemented public health protocols for the prevention and management of COVID-19, Gulf News has reported. The initiative is part of efforts to showcase Dubai as one of the world’s safest destinations as it continues to receive tourists following the city’s reopening to international visitors on July 7.

A verification and validation process has been established in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy) and Dubai Municipality for issuing the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp.

The specially designed stamp, to be issued free of charge, will have a validity of 15 days. It can be renewed every two weeks upon further verification by inspectors from the relevant authorities, the Gulf News report said.

With the reopening of many public and private facilities and amenities, including beaches, shopping malls, restaurants, swimming pools and golf courses, and the resumption of popular activities like water sports and camping, the ‘Dubai Assured’ programme will cover all key tourism touchpoints across the city. Over 1,000 establishments have already been inspected for compliance with relevant guidelines, as part of the programme, making them eligible to receive the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp.

The stamp is a visual mark reassuring guests that safety and hygiene measures prescribed by the authorities have been complied with across all tiers and categories of tourist and resident touch points such as hotels, attractions, retail, food & beverage and leisure and entertainment. The establishments can feature this stamp in their marketing communications, said the Gulf News report.

“The health and safety of our residents and visitors remains our utmost priority. The compliance programme we have rolled out across the hospitality sector with the wholehearted support of Dubai Economy and Dubai Municipality is not only testament to the continued efforts being made to further enhance health and safety standards but is also a confidence-boosting measure to reassure travellers that Dubai is one of the world’s safest destinations.” said Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism.

Dubai hotels have deployed stringent disinfection measures covering contact points in lobbies and other areas including restaurants and swimming pools. Entrances have been fitted with equipment for contactless screening of guests. Mall operators are using advanced technology to minimise risks including use of thermal scanners and cameras to monitor traffic at entry points. Public parks and beaches under Dubai Municipality have reopened with strict guidelines for visitors while restaurants are allowed to serve guests with reduced seating arrangements and the enforcement of a distance of two metres between tables, the Gulf News report added.