The recent outbreak has made authorities require many establishments to close temporarily in Dubai, including malls and retail outlets. But, just recently, the city announced that restaurants and cafes, markets, shopping malls, and retail outlets will now be reopened but with restrictions.
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The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced this to partly ease the restriction in Dubai starting April 24. If you are an expat currently living in Dubai, this is a bit of good news since you will now have time to go out and visit malls and other establishments. However, please note that opening of retail outlets still comes with limitations. Read on to learn more.
What are the restrictions in mall operations in Dubai?
If you are hoping to enjoy the services of malls and retail outlets in Dubai, here are the restrictions that you need to remember when you go out.
- Shopping malls, retail outlets, and markets will be open to serve the public every day, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Children who are 3 to 12 years will not be permitted to enter the mall premises. The same applies to people who are above 60 years old.
- Only 30% of the commercial establishment’s capacity will be allowed during this time.
- Shopping malls and other commercial outlets are encouraged to utilize electronic and smart payment methods in order to prevent customers from using cash.
- Malls will not open its cinema and entertainment outlets to prevent crowding and congestion.
- Returns and exchange will be permitted only if the products are defective.
- The first parking hour in malls and restaurants will be free. Valet parking will not be available.
- A medical isolation room will be available in all malls for emergency purposes. In case an individual is suspected of having the virus, he/she can use the facility.
- Only 25% of the parking area in malls will be open to avoid crowding.
- The public is encouraged to go to malls only when needed.
- All shopping malls will be sterilized for the protection of the workers and customers.
- Those who will enter the shopping malls will undergo temperature checks at entrances.
- All customers are required to wear masks before they can enter the mall.
- Services in salons and barbershops are limited to nails and hair. Only those who have scheduled their appointments will be served.
Final Thoughts
It’s a good thing to know that Dubai is gradually easing its restrictions. Those who need essentials for themselves and for their families can now go to open stores. Restricted access is better than nothing at all. But still, expats should exercise extra precautions. Malls and commercial establishments opening in Dubai don’t mean that social distancing and sanitizing can be totally forgotten.
The virus is still out there. You need to be safe for yourself and for your family. Remember to go out of your home only when it’s necessary. As much as you can, buy in bulk so you can store food and other essentials for weeks. Avoid the crowd and always practice social distancing.
