Coronavirus: some Dubai malls reduce opening hours

Operator Majid Al Futtaim said its chain of shopping centres will open from midday to 8pm

Mall of the Emirates and other major shopping centres reduced their opening hours as of Tuesday.

The mall operator Majid Al Futtaim told retailers their stores could open from midday to 8pm only, as part of attempts to tackle coronavirus.

Carrefour supermarkets, pharmacies and medical clinics are excluded from the changes and mall doors will remain open to allow access.

Other Majid Al Futtaim malls in Dubai include City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira and City Centre Al Shindagha, which usually open between 10am and 10pm.

“As of March 18, Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls across the region will begin operating between the hours of 12noon and 8pm only,” the company said.

“These reduced hours have been put in place to afford further cleaning and sanitisation of our assets, ensuring a safer experience for our customers.

“The safety and wellbeing of our valued employees, retail partners and customers remains our number one priority.”

In a letter to retail tenants, Shireen El Khatib, chief executive of Majid Al Futtaim’s shopping malls unit, said the move would help to cut costs during quieter trading conditions and save on utility bills.

Earlier, supermarket chain Spinney’s urged shoppers to “be considerate in the way that you shop”.

“We understand the concerns, but buying more than is needed can mean that others who need essentials will be left without. There will be enough for everyone if we work together,” the company said.

Updated: March 18, 2020, 5:56 AM