Coronavirus: shoppers return to Dubai malls as restrictions eased further

Retailers said they were confident customers would soon be back en masse

Dubai’s malls began to return to normal on Wednesday as months of restrictions continued to ease.

Shopping centres in the emirate are now able to operate at full capacity provided social distancing measures and other controls are met.

Retailers have welcomed the move and observed business was already picking up significantly.

Some checks still remain, with children under 12 and those over 60 still not allowed inside.

"It's good to feel that city hustle and bustle again," Kevin Anthony, an engineer living in Dubai, told The National.

“I live in the marina so decided to pop out and work from here for a few hours.

“I ordered a coffee and got to drink it with my mask down, that’s the first time I’ve done that since lockdown.

I think by the weekend we will see things pick up as more people venture out

“The cashier did tell me I could only sit in the place for two hours maximum though.”

Thousands of retailers across the UAE were required to close their doors in March as part of government efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Malls, cinemas, restaurants and independent traders were shut, and the majority of residents were also required to work from home.

In late April, malls in Dubai were allowed to reopen as long as they reduced the number of shoppers to a set limit.

On Tuesday this week, Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management rescinded that condition, allowing the centres to operate at 100 per cent capacity.

On Wednesday, traders expressed confidence business would soon return to normal as consumers returned in force.

Many offered new deals and discounts as part of efforts to tempt customers back into their stores.

Shoppers will still have to maintain a two metre distance from one another and are required to wear face masks at all times.

“It’s noisy again, and that’s a good sign,” said one shop manager, who asked not to be named.

“I think by the weekend we will see things pick up as more people venture out. I am happy that malls can operate at full capacity again, it’s good for business.

“Now it is really about staff and customers ensuring they are abiding by the rules to keep themselves safe.”