'Thanks to our heroes': New pop-up wall in Ibn Battuta Mall allows shoppers to pay tribute to UAE's frontline workers

The first one filled up in one day, so a second, bigger one is being put up this weekend

The tribute board at Ibn Battuta was filled within half a day. Dubai Media Office

Hundreds of shoppers at Ibn Battuta Mall have shown their appreciation for Dubai's frontline workers, who are keeping us safe amid the coronavirus pandemic, by signing a giant tribute board.

The shopping centre's customers were invited to scrawl their messages of thanks on a 40-square-metre wall that is dedicated to healthcare workers, drivers, scientists, food suppliers and sanitisation providers.

Its 328 hearts, where people can write their notes, were filled in within half a day.

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So now a second board, which is double the size of the first one, is being installed at the mall's Persia Court this weekend. It has space for more than 700 people to sign.

“Our signature wall was a huge hit with our customers," Gail Sangster, asset director at Nakheel Malls, said.

"It’s wonderful to see so many visitors sharing our appreciation for the effort and dedication of the key workers keeping us all afloat during these challenging times."

The tribute board is just one of a number of initiatives running across Nakheel Malls throughout June that are dedicated to the UAE's unsung heroes. Others include gift cards, free tickets and discounts for health workers.

Ibn Battuta Mall is currently open from 10am to 10pm daily and operating at 100 per cent capacity. Children under the age of 12 and people over 60 are also now allowed to visit.