DUBAI is closing all its bars and pubs in February following a Covid spike after British influencers mocked a travel ban.
It follows an increase in Covid cases across the UAE, which has attracted social media stars fleeing lockdown UK.
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Last week, the UAE was added to a ‘red list’ of countries where travel to the UK is banned.
This means all direct flights from the UAE to Britain have been suspended in a bid to stop the new South African variant of Covid-19.
People who choose to fly home from Dubai using indirect flights will be forced to self-isolate at home for 10 days or stay in Government arranged hotel quarantine.
A spokesman for the Dubai Media Office blamed “a marked increase in the number of violations of precautionary measures” for the shutdown of its bars and clubs.
It also blames a spike in Covid cases after New Year’s Eve.
The spokesman said: “The measures seek to further enhance efforts to combat Covid-19, and protect the health and safety of all citizens, residents and visitors.”
However, restaurants in Dubai will remain open and influencers will still be allowed to lounge by the pool.
Last week British influencers in Dubai taunted the travel ban that means they can no longer fly home saying: “Oh what a shame.”
‘WHAT A SHAME’
Many downed shots and lounged b the pool today as strict new Covid travel rules came into force.
The social media stars have faced a backlash for jetting to the sunny holiday spot during the UK’s lockdown and now face being stranded after travel rules were changed.
Henry Simmons shared the view from his balcony overlooking a glistening pool before posting one of The Sun’s stories about influencers being stranded.
The Absolutely Ascot reality star, 21, told his 108,000 followers: “Oh what a shame đ€Łđ.
It was a view echoed by OnlyFans model Honey Evans, who said she would not be returning to the UK before the deadline.
She tweeted: âFlights from Dubai to the UK are banned. Guess I have no choice but to stay out here. Shame.”
The travel rule changes did not appear to bother the numerous British models, reality stars, and social media influencers already holidaying in the UAE.
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In recent days Dubai has been blamed for spreading Covid across the globe with tourists flocking there to party.
The city has seen a quadrupling of cases and is facing questions after opening itself to boozy New Year superspreader mayhem for revellers stuck in lockdowns.
Partygoers who flocked there for sunbathing and cocktails were pictured without masks in bars and on yachts on New Yearâs Eve.
âThe new year shenanigans in Dubai were an obvious superspreader event,â one expatriate doctor told the Financial Times.
âAfter that, cases have gone up quickly and we have the new variant too.â
The effect of Dubaiâs relaxed attitude is now being felt across the globe.
In Israel, the authorities said more than 900 travellers returning from Dubai have been infected with the coronavirus, creating a chain of infections numbering more than 4,000 people.
There have also been infections in the Philippines and Denmark, whose celebrities similarly travelled to Dubai for the New Year.
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NO MORE TIERS
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On January 29 officials from the Foreign Office signed off adverts which are intended to âremind people that travelling abroad is against the lawâ.
One, which features flip flops, warns: âGoing on holiday is currently illegal.
âStay at home. Save Lives.â
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