Abu Dhabi to increase inspections in malls and markets to enforce Covid-19 safety rules

Officials will also monitor prices and quality of products

Supermarkets run month-long promotions, discounts and deals during Ramadan to help UAE residents plan their finances better during the holy month. Leslie Pableo / The National

Authorities in Abu Dhabi will intensify inspections in malls and markets to ensure retailers and shoppers abide by Covid-19 safety rules.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) said on Wednesday that inspections will continue throughout Ramadan and Eid.

Daily inspections will start from 1pm to 6pm and again from 8pm to 1am.

The inspections will be carried out in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

Officials will also inspect markets selling fruits and vegetables, livestock and cattle.

Rashid Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, undersecretary of ADDED, said officials will monitor prices and quality, and urged people to shop online to avoid overcrowding at malls.

Mr Rabie Al Hajri, acting executive director of the Abu Dhabi Business Centre, said shops should follow official guidelines on the number of customers allowed in-store at any one time. Security personnel should also monitor shoppers at checkout counters, plus entry and exit points.

In an increased bid to increase awareness, loudspeakers will be used to announce safety rules and all malls and markets will be connected to a monitoring room, to ensure all protocols are being followed.

Inspections to eradicate fake and counterfeit products will also be made.

Shoppers can visit added.gov.ae to check set prices of certain food items for Ramadan.

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