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Want a discount in Dubai? These restaurants are offering deals for vaccinated diners

Want a discount in Dubai? These restaurants are offering deals for vaccinated diners

“Spread love, not Rona,” say social media fliers for restaurants run by Gates Hospitality.
25 Jan, 2021

Dubai restaurants have begun offering discounts to customers who have been inoculated against coronavirus, amid a vaccination drive as the emirate seeks to fight the pandemic without closing its doors.

The United Arab Emirates says it has already vaccinated some 2.5 million of its population of about 10 million, the second highest rate globally after Israel.

“Spread love, not Rona,” say social media fliers for restaurants run by Gates Hospitality, offerings a 10 percent discount to residents who have taken the first dose of a vaccine and 20 percent for those who have taken two.

Alpine restaurant Publique, British restaurant Reform Social and Grill and Ultra Brasserie, all of which are run by Gates Hospitality, announced on Sunday an offer that gives residents 10 per cent off their bill if they have already received the first dose of a vaccine and 20 per cent off after having both shots.

Bistro des Arts, also under Gates Hospitality, announced the same deal on Monday.

Diners must show proof of inoculation, such as a medical certificate, to get the discount.

While some people welcomed the move, it raised eyebrows on social media.

“There's two ways to look at it, either it's another marketing stunt, or a genuine motivation to get more people vaccinated,” said one tweet.

The UAE, made up of seven emirates including Dubai, began mass inoculations in December after approving vaccines made by Chinese firm Sinopharm and US drugmaker Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech.

Dubai's health authority said this week it would have to scale back on vaccinations after Pfizer announced shipment delays due to works at its key plant in Belgium. The Sinopharm vaccine is still freely available.

Despite a sharp spike in cases since the New Year, Dubai is still open for tourism and restaurants and services are operating, although with rules on masking and distancing.

Over the weekend the guidelines were tightened, with the number of people allowed at social gatherings slashed from 200 to 10, and restaurants and cafes ordered to increase spacing between tables from two metres to three.

The glitzy emirate has also suspended non-essential surgery in hospitals after a surge in Covid-19 infections. While other tourist destinations are applying tight restrictions to control the pandemic, Dubai reopened to visitors in July.

On Sunday, the UAE announced 3,579 Covid-19 cases, a new high for the 13th consecutive day. It has so far recorded over 277,000 infections, including 792 deaths.

Comments

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jan 25, 2021 11:27pm
This is exactly what is called a niche marketing and sales strategy?
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Masood Hasan Jan 26, 2021 12:35am
New marketing strategy learned from new friends.
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Truth be told Jan 26, 2021 01:26am
Discrimination.
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Fast comment Jan 26, 2021 02:13am
Everything has changed due to Covid-19, Dubai is facing unprecedented recession, the multinationals are not willing to hire more offices offshores rather prefer doing biz from HQ. The shrinking demand of oil, has squarely hit their plans.
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Adam Jan 26, 2021 02:30am
By the same token, shouldn't they be adding a surcharge to those that didn't get the vaccine and are endangering the lives of others (not that the vaccine prevents the spread)?
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Venkat Jan 26, 2021 05:36am
Good initiative. Soon airlines will allow only vaccinated people.
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Lavesh Jan 26, 2021 09:18am
Without been vaccinated, no work for Pakistanis in ME.
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SATT Jan 26, 2021 11:50am
Costly for Pakistanis.
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Nick, NY Jan 26, 2021 12:43pm
They should do carry out! Not in house dinning! Let pandemic attenuate first!
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NK Jan 26, 2021 07:56pm
How long the world will rely on the unproven vaccines prepared in haste.
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NK Jan 26, 2021 07:57pm
@Fast comment Every rise has a fall and Dubai may experience a steep one,
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