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Dubai Allows Ambient Music To Play Under Revised Covid Measures

09/02/20211096 views0

The music is back on in Dubai – to some degree at least. All premises, including hotels, restaurants and beach clubs can now play pre-recorded ambient music. The ban on DJs and live music still stands.

The ban on DJs and live music in hotels and restaurants was introduced last month as part of Dubai’s precautionary measures to stop the spread of Covid-19. Last week, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) insisted all music be turned off. Now that rule has been slightly relaxed.

A new directive from DTCM states: “Ambient music in all premises is allowed to operate including hotels, restaurants, pools, etc.” The directive describes ambient music as “soft instrumental only”. The directive adds that “no vocals, remixes or dance beats” are allowed.

Volume

What’s more, the volume must be no louder than 70 decibels at any time. How loud is that? Well, IAC Acoustics says noise from the average vacuum cleaner is around 70 decibels.

Venue managers would be ill-advised to veer away from ambient sounds or crank up the volume. Premises caught flouting the new rules will be fined and could be temporarily shut down.

“Music levels are not to be adjusted or elevated at any time for celebrations, announcements or special events,” stressed DTCM. “Failure to comply with precautionary measures will result in serious consequences against the venue/premise including fines and one week closure of business.”

Dubai Government tightened its Covid-19 precautionary measures recently following a spike in cases. Brunches in Dubai – a huge part of the Emirate’s weekend social scene – are off the menu until the end of February. Pubs and bars in Dubai must also remain closed until 28^th February. Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management ordered the closure of pubs and bars “in response to rising violations of preventive measures”.

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Photo: Prateek Kochar/Unsplash