Dubai authority fines 26 shops for flouting safety measures during three-day super sale

Stores failed to ensure social distancing was observed among customers, especially near payment counters

Shoppers head to Mall of the Emirates in Dubai on the first day of the Eid holiday. Antonie Robertson / The National

Abu Dhabi residents practice social distancing at Mushrif Mall while shopping for Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa /The National

A mall visitor buys some coffee at Starbucks, Mushrif Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi shoppers headed to Mushrif Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National

Shoppers abide by social-distancing practices at Mushrif Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Shopping centres such as Mushrif Mall are operating at 30 per cent capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic. Victor Besa / The National

A shopper at Mushrif Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Malls across the country are implementing safety regulations in order to remain operational during the pandemic. Victor Besa / The National

Shoppers keep a safe distance at Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

While numbers were smaller than in previous years, many enjoyed the opportunity to shop safely on the first day of the Eid Al Fitr break. Antonie Robertson / The National

Mall of the Emirates has enforced strict regulations to keep shoppers safe, such as installing thermal scanners at entrance points. Antonie Robertson / The National

The first day of Eid gave many an opportunity to leave their homes and escape from the pressures of life amid a pandemic. Antonie Robertson / The National

Abu Dhabi residents at Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National

A customer in a Muji shop at Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents at the Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents at Al Wahda Mall on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Tables are placed apart at the food court. Victor Besa / The National

Twenty-six shops were fined during the three-day super sale in malls in Dubai after failing to meet Covid-19 safety rules.

Inspectors from Dubai Economy issued 26 fines to retailers in malls and markets, mainly for breaches related to face masks or social distancing, Dubai Media Office said.

The three-day sale, held from May 27 to May 29, attracted crowds to malls for discounts of up to 90 per cent.

Dubai Economy said the rise in the number of shoppers resulted in more breaches, and that businesses failed to maintain social distancing measures, especially near payment counters.

The authority said it would continue to carry out inspections to ensure public safety, with a particular focus on shopping malls and other places likely to become crowded.

Dubai Economy urged traders to follow the Covid-19 precautionary measures.

It also called on the public to report any breaches through the Dubai Consumer app, by calling 600 545555 or through its official website.