The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) revealed that it has started to implement an emirate-wide awareness campaign designed to support local hotel establishments in preventing the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The move falls in line with the nation’s continuing efforts to raise the level of precautionary and preventive measures against COVID-19, in response to recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). The SCTDA also confirmed that a series of inspections will be conducted across hotel establishments in the emirate to ensure compliance and adherence to set standards and methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The inspections will ensure that hygiene measures, disinfection and sterilization are all completed in a correct manner. Hotels are also being advised on documentation of their sterilization measures.

H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, affirmed the authority’s continued commitment towards following the best preventive and precautionary measures, in addition to offering the most comprehensive guidance and educational advice necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. The Chairman explained that the implementation of the awareness campaign and conducting inspections across local hotel establishments comes in line with the SCTDA’s framework in covering the safety of all workers within the tourism and hospitality sectors, while also maintaining the health and safety of visitors to the emirate.

“We are dedicated to making the most pertinent decisions that ensure continuity and minimum disruption, while also minimizing the risk of disease transmission in the UAE. The UAE remains in the lead when it comes to  harnessing its energies and capabilities to face this global crisis with full efficiency, in line with the sense of responsibility rooted in the vision of our wise leadership, which calls on strengthening international and humanitarian solidarity to maintain security and stability,” he added.

The SCTDA’s Tourism Standards Department is in charge of following up on the disinfection and sterilization process in hotel establishments in Sharjah, thus ensuring that the precautionary measures are carefully observed and the level of health awareness is raised in order to preserve the safety of all. The Authority has also started to circulate awareness brochures online to all hotel establishments and the authority’s employees. These brochures include key information on how to avoid spreading the virus, in addition to the correct way to use hand sanitizer, and raising awareness of the nature of the virus, its symptoms and ways to prevent it.

The SCTDA is intensifying its efforts to direct all hotel establishments throughout the emirate to temporarily close a number of their amenities, including all spa facilities, gaming halls, fitness clubs, children’s clubs and massage centers. The hotel establishments have been directed to postpone and cancel reservations for celebrations, weddings, events and other gatherings until further notice. All hotel establishments will be inspected and monitored continuously by the authority’s inspectors to verify compliance with the instructions and preventive standards recently circulated throughout the UAE in the goal of preserving the interest of the safety of the community and visitors.

In the interests of curtailing the emergence of COVID-19, SCTDA has, moreover, directed all Desert Tour operators to suspend desert tour and safari activities for a specified period of time. The Tourism Standards Department take the lead in following up on this directive and ensuring comprehensive compliance from the desert tour operators with all disease prevention methods.

The Authority remains dedicated to the UAE’s and the emirate of Sharjah’s directives in meeting and overcoming this global challenge with steady and consistent adherence, watching over the safety of residents and visitors.