DSC to resume marine and water sports competitions in Dubai

The Dubai Sports Council has been discussing resuming various gaming and sports activities around the Emirates. Various restrictions and regulations to be taken were on the table of discussion since March. According to the latest reports, the DSC is ready to take a step forward with its decision.

It has announced the resumption of marine and water sports competitions by obeying all safety regulations. A number of events are expected to take place in the coming days off the coast of Dubai and the picturesque Hatta Dam Lake.

The resumption is the latest move by the Sports Council to reopen the sports sector after its closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Based on the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, the announcement to resume marine sports competitions is part of a series of decisions taken by the Council in recent days to gradually reopen the sports sector following weeks of closure due to Covid-19.

“The decision is in line with the government of Dubai’s plan to gradually open all sectors of life in the Emirate. The Council has prepared a detailed list of protocols in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of everyone involved in these competitions,” a statement from the Sports Council said.

The number of games and sports will be lesser than usual due to obvious safety requirements. Thus the order of resumption will be limited to events that conform to the safety protocols and guidelines. This will also need to obtain prior approval from the Dubai Sports Council.

The Council has prepared a detailed list of protocols in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of everyone involved in these competitions.

Some relevant protocols issued by Dubai Sports Council earlier regarding the resumption of sports activity in the Emirate of Dubai are:

• Wearing of masks will be mandatory for everyone, and the Council also recommends the use of protective goggles or face shields.
• Organizers have to maintain the hygiene and sanitization requirements at the venue as per the Dubai Municipality guidelines.
• Complete sterilization of the venue before and after competition should be ensured
• A regular cleaning regime should be maintained
• Frequently touched surfaces and common areas should be cleaned and disinfected at least once every hour
• Shared objects should also be cleaned and disinfected each time they are used
• The organizers will also have to make sure safe distancing is maintained
• Sterilizers should be available in all the necessary areas.

The events will be held behind closed doors, with no fans or visitors allowed inside the venues. The age limitations also remain, and children below the age of 12 and elders above the age of 60 will not be allowed to take part in the competitions. Staff older than 60 years of age will also not be allowed inside the facilities, along with anyone suffering from chronic or respiratory diseases.

Dubai is considered as one of the leading destinations of the world for marine sports, with alluring beaches like Jumeirah, Kite Beach, and Al Mamzar. The picturesque Hatta Dam has emerged as a busy year-round venue for marine and water sports in the country. The Emirates also opened the Dubai Canal which has been a major boost for the sport.

Income from residents and tourists coming to enjoy the stunning views of Dubai’s iconic skyline from the waters contributed greatly to the Emirates’ annual income. This was reduced by almost about 100% due to the closing and canceling of all activities due to the pandemic.

Dubai Sports Council has been promoting marine sports in the Emirate alongside Dubai International Marine Club and the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, and competitions take place throughout the year, attracting thousands of participants of different ages and nationalities, from inside UAE and abroad.