Reopening responsibly: Malls in Dubai committed to all precautionary measures

Shopping malls operators and private sector enterprises in Dubai have hailed the reopening of businesses at 100 per cent capacity from Wednesday. The announcement is part of the emirate's bid to ease restrictions and restore normalcy gradually.
Operators said they had been seeing a "gradual increase in footfall" at each stage of reopening Dubai. Baiju Kurieash, managing director, BUZ Marketing - the consulting firm managing the Dubai Shopping Malls Group - said: "This is a very significant announcement, which will certainly help fast-track the recovery of retail sector and further help build consumer confidence on the measures taken by stakeholders.
"With the full expansion of capacity, we foresee apparel and F&B businesses picking up even faster. We hope that the mall entertainment and activation will be the next indicator of successful relaxation measures. The efforts are lining up very well as international flights set to pick up within the coming weeks."
Vishal Mahajan, director, Dubai Outlet Mall, said the mall is "well-prepared as per all relevant guidelines and safety precautions to welcome its regular customers and visitors".
"The mall is implementing all measures such as thermal scanners for its customers and staff; 24-hour sanitisation of common areas; social distancing policies; signages for visitors and staff to wear masks and gloves; elevators to be used by people with disabilities with social distancing of two metres; and provision of a separate isolation area. A separate garbage can is marked for disposing used masks and gloves."
'Retail sector has a strong role'
Kamal Vachani, group director, Al Maya Group, welcomed the announcement, saying the retail sector plays "an important role" in the emirate's economy.
"I personally visited the malls and complete safety and precautionary measures are in place for visitors and employees. We are delighted that businesses will be normal from Wednesday," said Vachani.
Dr Dhananjay Datar, chairman, Al Adil Group, said it is the responsibility of corporates to "optimise this opportunity in a proactive manner and come out with innovative measures". "It is the duty of each and every one of us to do their part."
nandini@khaleejtimes.com