Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi considers opening malls, with precautions

Officials look at limited trading as long as shoppers wear masks and gloves, and payment is cashless

A security guard checks a customer's temperature and offers disposable gloves at Carrefour in Mall of the Emirates. Jon Gambrell / AP

Abu Dhabi officials on Wednesday said they were considering reopening malls soon, as they began a consultation with traders.

Shoppers could be allowed into shopping malls as long as masks and gloves were worn and payments were cashless.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development said it was in talks with mall operators and retailers to "explore options as part of a staggered series of reopenings across key sectors".

It would give the public "more options to purchase products they may need, in addition to e-commerce, and to support local retailers and businesses", the department said.

The move would also allow retail staff to return to work, and could capitalise on the public's desire to shop during Ramadan and for Eid Al Fitr.

“The swift adoption of wide-reaching preventive measures, including high testing rates and the use of technology to curb the spread of Covid-19, has enabled us to commence plans for re-opening parts of the economy,” said Mohammed Al Hammadi, chairman of the department.

Mr Al Hammadi said the government was "confident that we can move towards reopening facilities in the near future".

Rules would also include limiting numbers in shops and car parks, keeping some types of outlets closed and testing all staff for Covid-19, the department said.