Desert tourism activities to resume in Sharjah with precautionary measures

Desert tours and related activities are now allowed to resume in Sharjah.

According to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), all tour operators are required to comply with the safety and precautionary measures to combat COVID-19.

• During desert tours and safaris, food and beverages are not allowed inside the vehicle, while instructions about safety measures must be displayed in every vehicle.
• The number of passengers should not exceed the vehicle’s capacity and individuals must maintain a distance of at least two metres.
• Signboards must be placed around the vehicle reminding passengers to avoid crowding or gathering in one area and urging them to adhere to health and safety measures.
• Tour operators are also required to provide a reservation system that enables health authorities to collect information to help trace contacts if necessary, in addition to adopting electronic payment methods.
• Vehicles and public areas must be thoroughly disinfected.

The decision to resume desert tourism was made after requesting tour operators and companies to implement the measures, the most important of which is equipping reception desks with plastic or glass partitions with minimal openings to accept payment transactions and facilitate the use of credit cards, as well as regularly conducting sterilisation within the premises.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the SCTDA said that the decision is a step forward in the process of the gradual return of all tourism activities in Sharjah in close coordination with all relevant partners from the government and the private sector.

Al Midfa added, "We are implementing a strict schedule of inspection of establishments and activities through regular field visits under the supervision of an integrated team of SCTDA inspectors to ensure the issued precautionary measures are being followed and limit the spread of COVID-19."