UAE combats coronavirus: Malls in Dubai say Covid-19 measures 'worked well' on Day 1 of reopening

A file photo of Burjuman Centre, Dubai. Mall operators said measures put in place against coronavirus to ensure the safety of employees and visitors 'worked very well' on the first day.

Malls in Dubai partially opened on Saturday, April 25, after a month, strictly implementing guidelines and precautionary measures issued by local authorities.
Mall operators said measures put in place against coronavirus to ensure the safety of employees and visitors 'worked very well' on the first day.
"We are very pleased with our first day of reopening, the measures we put in place worked efficiently and the teams are doing a very good job executing. While it was not mandatory, a vast majority of retailers were ready to open in time, with others to follow in the next couple of days," said Timothy Earnest, group director of Al Futtaim Malls, which owns and operates Dubai Festival City and Festival Plaza Mall Jebel Ali.
"Customers who came in were well prepared and did well to respect the safety measures. Upon opening, our procedures were in full compliance with the government regulations, including not more than 30 per cent of our properties being occupied," said Earnest.
Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, and Mirdif City Centre also announced partial reopening and will operate from 12pm to 10pm. However, leisure and entertainment outlets, changing rooms, prayer rooms, and cinemas will remain temporarily closed. Carrefour hypermarket will continue operating from 9am to 10pm daily.
"Our visitors are kindly urged to adhere to the official guidelines set by the government while at the shopping mall," said the statement posted on the malls' website.
On the first day, managements placed security guards at the entrances of the premises to check the temperatures of visitors and ensure that all of them are wearing masks.
Those who arrived without masks were prohibited from entering and were told to buy masks from the pharmacies located at the entrance of the malls.
Sources said mall managements have categorically instructed retailers to strictly implement social distancing guidelines or they will be penalised.
"Retailers have been asked to either place an employee, put a sticker or a barrier at the entrance of their shops so that the visitor numbers could be limited, in line with the social distancing guidelines," a source said.
"Not all shops were opened on Saturday, but we expect all shops will be opened in the next two to three days as confidence returns."
Authorities allowed Dubai shopping malls, markets and commercial outlets to operate daily from 12pm to 10pm. Restaurants and shops are allowed to operate at a maximum of 30 per cent capacity at the shopping malls to ensure social distance.
In addition, 25 per cent of the parking space will be open in order to reduce overcrowding in malls.
Owing to the 30 per cent capacity restrictions, many food outlets in the malls have not yet opened and will likely make a decision in a day or two.
Building shoppers' confidence
"Consumers are looking towards getting back to their usual safe retailing routine. However, breaking from the current buying behaviour will take time and measures that will build on their confidence. Hence, safety is the priority and a comprehensive preparation is essential for all stakeholders at all levels to ensure that both buyer and seller are adhering to the guidelines," said Baiju Kurieash, consultant of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group.
"Though malls are opening up, this is a step-by-step process and, in the coming week, we will see most retailers open.
"Reopening of the retail safely will also include testing the retail staff for Covid-19 as they are put back to work. This is a time-consuming exercise considering that some of the leading malls have over 10,000 retail personnel, even if the operation are limited to a single shift. Capacity and scale of testing are good, however, let's be mindful of the time that this should be made available to re-open sooner," said Kurieash.
He noted that the guidelines are well thought of for this stage of opening, with 30 per cent capacity being the key.
"As we are waking up to a new normal in retail for the time to come, time is needed by each stakeholder to prepare for the suggested measure. The good news is that everyone is geared up with ways to overcome each hurdle," he added.
SHOPPERS' SAFETY: STRICT MEASURES INTRODUCED
>Wearing a mask is mandatory
>Temperature screenings will take place at all entrances
>A safe distance of at least 2 metres between people shall be maintained
>Maximum time permitted in the mall is 3 hours
>Smart payments are recommended (credit card and debit card)
>Valet parking is temporarily unavailable
Abu Dhabi malls told to get ready, but no date given yet
Shopping malls in Abu Dhabi have been asked to get ready for opening but no date has been given to them yet.
"Shopping malls in Abu Dhabi are still waiting for the government's nod as no mall has been given any date for reopening. Only guidelines have been shared, similar to guidelines issued in Dubai for malls. But they have been asked to be ready (for opening)," said a source.
Saoud Khoory, executive director for retail, Aldar Properties, said that to ensure the health and safety of visitors, tenants and staff, they have already implemented many of the measures since the beginning of the pandemic.
"We are utilising this time to work closely with our retail partners to ensure the highest levels of protection and hygiene for all staff and visitors as soon as our malls resume operation. We look forward to welcoming our guests soon, and we want to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to ensure their wellness," said Khoory.
waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com