UAE combats coronavirus: Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall, Al Jimi Mall to reopen tomorrow

Yas Mall and Al Jimi Mall will be the first malls to reopen in Abu Dhabi from today.
Aldar Properties said both malls under its retail portfolio have fulfilled the precautionary requirements set by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
“The operating hours for malls throughout Ramadan are from 12pm to 9pm, with supermarkets and pharmacies open from 9am to midnight. Malls will operate at a limited customer capacity of 30 per cent, reduced parking space and revised food and beverage operations,” Aldar Properties said.
“Re-opening of other malls within Aldar’s retail portfolio, including World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi (WTC), Shams Boutik at Al Reem Island and Remal Mall in Al Ain, will follow once inspections are completed.”

However, seniors over the age of 60 will not be permitted entry. Security robots will be deployed inside the mall to further reduce guest contact, while all customer service needs will be addressed through contactless tablet devices.
Entertainment venues will remain closed, while food and beverage outlets can accommodate diners in groups of up to two persons per table and run the outlets at maximum 30 per cent capacity. Take-away and home delivery service will still be available.
Yas Mall has launched a ‘We Shop For You’ virtual, cashless and convenient way of shopping through the Akyasi service complete with free-of-charge home delivery.
Saoud Khoory, executive director, retail management, Aldar, said: “We look forward to welcoming our guests soon and we will maintain our continuous monitoring and doing everything we can to ensure their wellness.”
Thermal cameras to be installed
ADDED issued a circular for reopening procedures to the managers and owners to have thermal screening devices and cameras, which need to be rented through the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). The devices will also be connected to the NCEMA system and malls will pay fees for the service.
Mall management must also inform customers that shopping and visiting period cannot exceed more than two hours in order to reduce overcrowding. They should operate with only 30 per cent of their capacity.
Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, undersecretary of ADDED, said the department’s operation team is continuously coordinating with mall managements to supervise the implementation of the measures in accordance with the circular and regulations.
Al Balooshi noted shopping centres that comply with the terms and conditions will be granted permission to reopen.
He stressed shoppers should follow safety procedures like standing at the entrance in front of the thermal cameras, shopping for a maximum period of two hours, wearing face masks and gloves, keeping distance between other visitors, as well as the using credit card payment, among others.
He reminded malls on importance of conducting regular cleaning and sterilisation.

ashwani@khaleetimes.com