EXCLUSIVE: Party-loving ex-pat Brits ignore social distancing rules to stop spread of Covid-19 as they down drinks, pack swimming pools and sing football chants at UAE beach hotel (6 Pics)

Party-loving ex-pat Brits are ignoring Covid-19 social distancing rules to down drinks, pack swimming pools and sing football chants at a beachfront hotel in the United Arab Emirates, Mail Online can reveal.

Dozens have checked into the luxury resort where pool parties are held each day and alcohol is readily available – even during Ramadan.

Video exclusively obtained by Mail Online shows hotel guests relaxing by the pool with no attempt to maintain the two metre social distancing guidelines.

As music plays from loudspeakers others guests join a queue for the poolside bar.

One onlooker told MailOnline: ’When you see the number of people by the pool you would not think there was a pandemic crisis.

‘Many of those by the pool are British and it was easy to tell because they were drunk and chanting about their football teams.' 

Party-loving ex-pat Brits are ignoring Covid-19 social distancing rules to down drinks, pack swimming pools and sing football chants at a beachfront hotel in United Arab Emirates, Mail Online can reveal

Dozens have checked into the luxury resort where pool parties are held each day and alcohol is readily available – even during Ramadan. Video shows hotel guests relaxing by the pool with no attempt to maintain the two metre social distancing guidelines

The shocking scenes took place at the Hilton Doubletree Resort and Spa at Marjan Island in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, an hour from the centre of Dubai.

Other western ex-pats and locals have flocked to the hotel to escape the restrictions and curfew that were put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus in the United Arab Emirates.

The guest told Mail Online: ‘There was no attempt to maintain social distancing and the hotel has basically become party central.

‘It was like a zoo and I could not wait to leave. Couples have been booking into the hotel for weekends to party and drink.'

The UAE closed its borders in March when all international flights suspended.

Tourism in Dubai, one of the most popular destinations in the world, ground to a halt. Like most countries it introduced social distancing rules with people told to remain two metres apart.

Residents were put under at 10pm to 6am curfew and restrictions on movements were among the most severe of any country attempting to stop the spread of Covid-19.

A permit was needed to leave home and residents were told they could only go out once every three days to buy groceries and must keep socially distant.

The UAE has reported 201 deaths with just over 18,000 people infected with the virus.

One onlooker said: ’You would not think there was a pandemic crisis. Many of those by the pool are British and it was easy to tell because they were drunk and chanting about their football teams.' The hotel advised 2m distancing (above)

The scenes took place at the Hilton Doubletree Resort and Spa at Marjan Island in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, an hour from the centre of Dubai. Other western ex-pats and locals have flocked to the hotel to escape the restrictions put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus

While the lockdown has eased in the last week with shopping malls opening, most hotels in Dubai remain closed and socially distancing is still advised.

Several in the smaller Ras Al Khaimah emirate, where the Marjan resort is based, have re-opened and offering ‘staycaytion’ packages.

Hotel staff instruct guests to maintain the two metre social distancing, with signs all around the resort, but they are mostly ignored.

Staff wear masks, but few guests bother to cover up their face while lounging by the pool or on the beach.

The British ex-pats who have checked into the resort live and work in Dubai.

A small number of guests from other European countries have been staying at the £75 a night hotel while waiting for a repatriation flight back home.

‘It was just awful being at the hotel as it was obvious that people were using it to drink and party,’ said one guest who spent three weeks at the hotel.

‘There were a lot of British men at the hotel and they seemed to spend all their time at the pool.'

‘The car park was also full of expensive sports cars and we were told that people were coming from Dubai to spend the weekend and get away from the lockdown.

'Others drove 200 miles from Abu Dhabi for a weekend.

While the lockdown has eased in the last week most hotels in Dubai remain closed and socially distancing is still advised. Hotel staff at Doubletree instruct guests to maintain the two metre social distancing, with signs all around the resort, but they are mostly ignored

The British ex-pats who have checked into the resort live and work in Dubai. A small number of guests from other European countries have been staying at the £75 a night hotel while waiting for a repatriation flight back home

‘Social distancing didn’t seem to apply to them. The people who checked in for short stays were not worried about the virus or anyone’s health.

‘I was so pleased when I was told I could leave and check out of the hotel.’

The Marjan spa and resort boasts five restaurants and seven heated pools. It also has two spas that include nine treatment rooms, including a sauna and steam room.

A spokesman for DoubleTree Marjan Island said: 'DoubleTree Marjan Island Resort is welcoming guests for staycations operating in accordance with local government regulations.

'The safety of our guests and team members is our number one priority and we have enhanced cleanliness protocols and provided Team Members with specific training.

'We are reminding guests at check in and through signs around the hotel to adhere to social distancing so that everyone can enjoy comfortable and relaxing stays. 

'The majority of our guests are taking a common sense approach to the guidance and acting responsibly in line with government advice on social distancing.'