By N.P. Krishna Kumar

DUBAI -- The services of the Metro and Tram in Dubai were suspended from Sunday, until further notice, according to the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

All stations on the red and green line of the Dubai Metro were closed.

Dubai RTA announced that its public bus services will be free of charge for individuals permitted to leave their homes during the extended two-week sterilization period using the Nol card.

Additionally, it said Dubai Taxi vehicles and franchised taxis will offer a 50 percent discount.

According to a circular by Serco, which is responsible for the operations and maintenance of Dubai Metro, retailers have been told they will not have access to their stores during this period.

The move comes as part of Dubai’s measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and as the UAE reaffirms its commitment to fight the coronavirus with the UAE National Disinfection Program, which will continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., across the emirates.

Dubai also announced on Saturday the extension of the sterilization program to 24 hours effective from 8 p.m. Sunday for two weeks subject to renewal, and enforced strict restrictions on movement across the city, according to the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

The committee added that legal action will be taken against violators.

Meanwhile, the UAE recorded one new fatality over the past 24 hours bringing the total to 10, according to the Ministry of Health spokeswoman Dr. Farida Al-Hosani.

A total of 241 additional infections were confirmed bringing the total in the UAE to 1,505 with 125 recoveries. -- Al Arabiya English