Shop staff wear face masks to adhere with Covid-19 rules at Al Aweer fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National.
Shop staff wear face masks to adhere with Covid-19 rules at Al Aweer fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National.
Shop staff wear face masks to adhere with Covid-19 rules at Al Aweer fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National.
Shop staff wear face masks to adhere with Covid-19 rules at Al Aweer fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National.

Dozens of retailers fined in Dubai for flouting Covid-19 safety rules


Gillian Duncan
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Dozens of stores in Dubai were fined for flouting Covid-19 safety rules on Saturday.

Inspectors from Dubai Economy issued 56 fines to retailers in malls and markets, mostly for breaches related to face masks and social distancing.

In total, 32 stores in shopping malls were caught failing to enforce social distancing and the use of face masks, while 20 restaurants and cafes were penalised for providing dine-in services after permitted working hours.

Four open market shops were fined for non-compliance with other precautionary measures.

The retailers are in shopping malls and markets in Al Barsha, Hor Al Anz, Dubai Marina and Saih Shuaib.

Failure to enforce social distancing was mainly seen in queues at payment counters during a three-day super sale promotion, which ran from May 27 to 29.

The authority said it would continue to carry out inspections to ensure public safety, with a particular focus on shopping malls and other places that are 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 consumerrights.ae

In pictures: Dubai residents observe Covid-19 safety measures

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