Dubai fitness centres can now operate at 100% capacity

Gyms and fitness centres in Dubai can now start to operate at 100 per cent capacity.

That's according to the latest directive from the Dubai Sports Council, which added that all precautionary measures and safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities must be followed.

They must maintain a regular cleaning regime, and ensure safe distancing is maintained at all times. Facilities must have a contingency plan in case of a possible COVID-19 case on the premises, and contactless screening of guests, visitors and contractors is mandatory.

Shower facilities, lockers and changing rooms are now permitted, as long as cleaning and sanitisation is performed after every use, or at a minimum once every hour. 

Operators must ensure all other safety protocols and guidelines – like the 2 metre social distancing, wearing masks, checking temperature of visitors, providing sanitisers, etc - are followed.

Facilities unable to maintain social distancing, must reduce their capacity, while fitness centres need to make sure there are no more than two trainees with every personal trainer, and that the mandatory 2 metre distance is maintained between them.

The authority has also lifted the age restrictions for sports activities, thus allowing children aged under 12 and adult over 60 to participate.

.@DubaiSC: Under-12s and Over-60s can now take part in sports activities and #Dubai's fitness centres and gyms now allowed to operate at 100% capacity, with strict adherence to health and safety measures. https://t.co/z4SOGhpi83 pic.twitter.com/JI5YpblfW5

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 18, 2020

It comes a day after the Council announced the return of sports competitions in the emirate, with the first event – part of Dubai Offshore Sailing Club’s Summer Series – set to take place on Friday.