DUBAI: Dubai restaurants are no longer required to shield passersby from the sight of food during Ramazan fasting hours, according to authorities in the Gulf emirate, where the holy month began on Tuesday.

“Restaurants in the emirate can choose whether or not to place curtains or cover their facades for serving food during fasting hours,” the Department of Economic Development said in a statement.

“The new circular modifies the practice followed previously in the emirate, which required restaurants and other food outlets serving food during fasting hours to place curtains and screens.” The emirate depends heavily on tourism and services, which took a severe hit amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2021