Abu Dhabi considers reopening malls with precautionary measures in place

Abu Dhabi is considering reopening shopping malls as the emirate prepares to gradually resume economic activity.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development said it was in talks with “stakeholders” including mall operators and retailers.

“In line with government plans for a gradual increase in economic activity, the department is exploring options in collaboration with the private sector,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office said.

.@AbuDhabiDED is consulting with stakeholders on re-opening malls in #AbuDhabi. In line with government plans for a gradual increase in economic activity, the Department is exploring options in collaboration with the private sector. pic.twitter.com/46ny6Rmmgb

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) April 22, 2020

A circular issued by the department states that precautionary measures will be in place upon reopening, according to local media reports.

Working hours will be from 12pm (noon)until 9pm, although supermarkets, pharmacies and money exchange houses will be permitted to operate from 9am until 12am (midnight).

Shoppers will also be required to wear masks and gloves, while entry for senior citizens would be restricted.

Other measures would include using cashless payments, limiting the number of vehicles in car parks and testing staff for Covid-19, the department said.

The move will “support local retailers and businesses”, the department said.

Malls in the UAE were closed in March as part of measures taken to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The UAE has reported 8,238 coronavirus cases since the outbreak, with the death toll at 52. So far, 1,546 patients have recovered from the Covid-19 infection.

Read: GCC Covid-19 update: 1,141 new cases in Saudi; UAE records 483 new infections