São Paulo – As Covid-19 case numbers drop, some Arab countries are reigniting key sectors to their economies. In Egypt, for one, hotels are told to put in place coronavirus prevention measures in reopening. The administration said that as of May 15, approved hotels will be allowed to take in local guests up to 25% of capacity.
The Egyptian government’s website quoted Tourism and Antiquities minister Khaled El Anani as saying the resumption of work at hotels is linked to low Covid-19 infection rates and the industry’s pledge to embrace prevention. According to Anani, 10 out of 173 hotels which applied to reopen have been authorized, after undergoing technical scrutiny. The minister said new measures will be put in place concerning restaurants and carrying guests’ luggage, among other things.
Hotels will be required to disinfect luggage and all areas and to take guests’ temperatures.
The UAE have announced a two-phase reopening strategy underpinned by a USD 79 billion stimulus plan.
Some Dubai restaurants reopened in late April after a near-monthlong lockdown. Arabian Business reported that three Jumeirah Group enterprises went back in business on April 24 and 25: Kayto, Rockfish, and Shimmers – in Jumeirah Al Naseem and Mina A’Salaam.
Dubai malls (pictured at the top of this page) including the Dubai Outlet Mall also reopened in late April, after complying with sterilization and disinfection norms. According to Arabian Business, outlets are operating at 30% maximum capacity and observing social distancing rules.
In Algeria, several retail industry segments are back to work. Official news outlet Algérie Presse Service (APS) quoted Finance minister Abderrahmane Raouia as saying this Tuesday (19) that new automobile imports will resume with no maximum quotas for resellers, as per an amendment to the 2020 finance bill.
Saudi wholesalers and retailers are open since April 29, state-run news agency SPA said. They were originally meant to close again on May 13, but an extension is currently in place. A nationwide partial curfew is also suspended, except for Mecca and some other previously isolated districts.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
