Coronavirus: Malls in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain prepare to reopen

Yas Mall and Al Jimi Mall will open from Saturday but with measures in place to protect visitors and staff

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  Employees at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

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  Cleaners disinfect rubbish bins and handrails at Yas Mall. Victor Besa / The National

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  Signs reminding visitors to keep a distance from others are displayed at the vast mall

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  Capacity limits are to be lifted at shopping centres in the UAE

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  The step comes amid a steady decline in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks

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  Authorities will continue to monitor infection rates as they gradually ease restrictions

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  A cleaner at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi

Two malls in Abu Dhabi emirate have been granted permission to reopen from Saturday.

Yas Mall, on Yas Island, and Al Jimi Mall, in Al Ain, will be the first in the emirate to open – but with measures in place to protect shoppers from the spread of Covid-19.

Opening hours during Ramadan will be 12pm to 9pm to avoid overlapping with disinfection hours that last from 10pm to 6am. Supermarkets and pharmacies – which can be visited in cases of absolute necessity during the disinfection period – will 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,” said Aldar Properties, which manages the two malls.

Anyone aged over 60 will not be granted entry and all visitors will be required to pass through a thermal scanner set up at the entrance. Guests and staff will be required to wear mask and gloves at all times.

Paramedics and nurses will remain on-site throughout mall opening hours.

All mall staff underwent testing for Covid-19 before they were cleared to return to work. They will also have their temperatures checked often to ensure they are well.

All touch screens have been disabled and lift usage is reserved only for people with disabilities.

Though shops will reopen, cinemas, prayer rooms and entertainment venues will remain closed.

Restaurants, cafes and the food court will reopen but can only cater to groups of up to two people per table. Tables must also be spaced at least 2.5 metres apart. Takeaway and home delivery services will still be available.

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.

"Re-opening of other malls within Aldar’s retail portfolio, including World Trade Center Abu Dhabi, Shams Boutik at Al Reem Island, and Remal Mall in Al Ain, will follow once inspections are completed.”

Malls across the country are sanitised each day to keep visitors safe from the spread of Covid-19.

Malls opened in Dubai this week but with measures in place to avoid gatherings.