People play with a ball on the beach near Burj al-Arab, Dubai. (File photo: AFP)

Coronavirus: Dubai suspends theme parks, cinemas, night clubs, concerts

Matthew Amlôt, Al Arabiya English

Published: 14 March ,2020: 12:00 AM GST Updated: 20 May ,2020: 10:57 AM GST

Dubai will suspend all theme parks, entertainment and wedding destinations, including night clubs, cinemas and concerts, from operation beginning from Sunday, March 15 2020 until the end of the month, as authorities expand measures to control the spread of the coronavirus, according to a Tweet from the Government of Dubai’s official media account.

Update: Coronavirus: Dubai closes gyms, gaming centers, spring camps

The news follows a slew of announcements from UAE authorities on Saturday including restrictions on visas and a suspension of flights to Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Syria.

Dubai Legoland, Motiongate shut

The Emirate said it was temporarily suspending operations at four major theme parks and tourist attractions until the end of March amid coronavirus concerns.

The emirate’s government media office said in a statement that Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Waterpark Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai would be closed to ensure the health and safety of guests and employees.

Click here for a list of some of the UAE events which have been canceled due to coronavirus.

People arrive for the opening of Legoland Dubai, part of the larger Dubai Parks & Resorts project, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Oct. 27, 2016 (Photo: AP/Kamran Jebreili)

Abu Dhabi also closes attractions

Earlier on Saturday, Abu Dhabi announced that it would closing tourist attractions, the Louvre Museum, and theme parks to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Cinemas have also closed in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE has currently reported 85 cases of coronavirus in the country, with 23 recoveries.