Malls have been closed in the UAE, in line with the national strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, when they do open, these are the guidelines they have been asked to follow.
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Economic Departments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai stated that malls would have to follow protocols and guidelines when the malls reopen.
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Abu Dhabi Media Office tweeted on April 22 that the economic department was in touch with mall managements and stakeholders to discuss the guidelines.
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The guidelines were discussed to ensure community health and safety.
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Dubai Economic Department issued detailed guidelines and protocols for the opening of various establishments.
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The announcement clearly stated that establishments had to abide by the guidelines before opening as well as continue to do so afterwards.
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The official announcement on the date of reopening of establishments would be made shortly, according to DED.
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The reopening of establishments would happen in stages, and the document stated the protocols and guidelines for Stage 1.
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Establishments that would be allowed to open include shopping malls, high-street, souqs and wholesale establishments, transport and logistics, manufacturing
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... offices, within restrictions, and social welfare services
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For malls and souqs, these were the guidelines provided by DED.
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Operating hours would be 10 hours per day; a visitor could only stay for a maximum of three hours and the establishments could not go over 30 per cent occupancy.
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Family entertainment, changing rooms, prayer rooms and cinemas would not be open.
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Thermal scanners or camera would be installed at malls.
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Strict 24-hour santisation procedures also needed to be followed.
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Everyone entering the mall would go through a health check.
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Hand sanitisers would need to be provided and everyone was required to wear face masks.
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Malls also need to have isolation rooms, in the event that a potential positive case is found.
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The malls were also asked to establish standard operating procedures to implement the guidelines.
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Malls have been asked to ensure the staff is educating on the protocol and guidelines for COVID-19.
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Trial rooms would have strict santisation procedures, after each use.
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However, to protect consumer rights, establishments were asked to not implement a 'no return policy'.
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DED also asked malls to encourage smart payment options but continue to accept cash payments.
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Cleaning team also needs to be fully staffed, with toilets being sanitised after each use.
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High-touch points also need to be cleaned frequently.
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Supplying processes also need to abide by the santisation and hygiene protocols.
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Malls were asked to have electronic doors, instead of manual ones, with separate entry and exit points.
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Gold and jewellery items also have strict sanitisation protocols.
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Food and beverage outlets were asked to only serve items in disposable packages and cutlery.
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Tables and chairs needed to be cleaned with a 75 per cent alcohol solution after each use.
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Social distancing also needs to be practised by everyone at the mall.
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This means not filling up an elevator to more than 30 per cent of its capacity as well.
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The 30 per cent limit needs to be adhered across spaces within the establishments - stores, restaurants or hallways.
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Tables for dine-in also need to be kept at least six feet apart.
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Parking space would also be closed to ensure only 25 per cent space is provided and all entertainment activities and tourist attractions would continue to be suspended.
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Public seating would also be removed.
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You would need to plan your trip to ensure that you only stay at the mall for three hours at the most. If you are present with a child, ensure discipline to maintain public health and safety.
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Malls were also asked to inform all visitors on the limit on number of visitors as well as trip duration.
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DED encourage mall management to provide rental ease to retailers as well.
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All mall entry points had to be open to ensure crowding did not take place as visitors went through a health check at entry points.
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Elderly and children between three to 12 would not be allowed to enter.
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You can also expect establishments to not offer any sales during this period. This has been done to avoid any chance of crowding.
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Valet services would also not be provided.
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The Department of Economic Development also issued guidelines around the social and cultural aspects of Ramadan.
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The guidelines were in line with the social distancing procedures that are being implemented everywhere.
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1. No gatherings of more than 10 people - this includes no weddings or funerals.
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In smaller groups, if you do meet, practise social distance.
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Meet only those people who are absolutely necessary to meet.
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2. Donate food only through approved government entities.
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3. Receiving food should also be limited to only close family and friends.
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If you do receive food, you should carefully transfer it to containers you have at home.
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4. Gathering for prayers is not allowed, and if you do pray in groups, it should only be with people within the same household.
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5. The elderly and those with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. Follow basic precautions for their safety and yours.
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Avoid meeting family members as well.
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6. Ensure that you communicate safety measures to your domestic workers as well and provide them with the necessary protective gear.
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