No Legionella bacteria found in Westin Dubai Resort

Lab tests conducted on 24 water samples

No Legionella bacteria found in Westin Dubai Resort


Dubai, 04 February 2009: Lab tests, conducted by Dubai Municipality on 24 water samples taken from air conditioning and water systems of the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina proved no existence of Legionella bacteria in the hotel.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the test results proved beyond doubt that any of the hotel's guests did not contract the disease in Dubai.

"We had taken 24 water samples from different locations at the hotel and all of them tested negative. The hotel had, in fact, conducted its routine tests three times since it opened its doors in May 2008," said Mr. Lootah.

He added that Dubai Municipality, being the body responsible for ensuring the hygiene and safety standards at all hotels, hotel apartments and all public premises in Dubai, conducts periodic lab tests on water samples randomly collected from these establishments and enforces a strict hygiene and safety code there.

Furthermore, he noted, the hotels are required to submit to the Municipality regular reports on internal hygiene and safety checks undertaken by their own specialists. "The Westin Dubai hotel had conducted such tests in May, immediately after its opening, as well as in October and December last year and all of them tested negative," Lootah added.

Mr. Lootah noted that during last year, the Municipality had conducted 70 inspections in the city's many hotels and obtained 250 water samples for testing for Legionella bacteria, among a lot of other tests. However, no tests proved positive.

"The Municipality conducts inspections on all hotels, restaurants, and public places in accordance with international standards. During our periodic checks, we also make sure of various hygiene and safety standards in swimming pools, spas, and gyms in addition to enforcement of smoking regulations, among other things," he said.