Dubai businesses closed and fined for breaching Covid-19 rules

Dubai Economy carried out thousands of inspections throughout January

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Fourteen businesses in Dubai were shut and 213 were fined for breaking coronavirus regulations in January.

The emirate's department of economic development took action following a campaign of inspections at shopping centres and open markets.

The majority of the offences related to failure of staff to wear masks or abide by physical distancing regulations.

Authorities did not name the businesses concerned.

The sweep of thousands of premises was carried out by the commercial compliance and consumer protection sector of Dubai Economy.

"The field teams were keen on inspecting all areas in Dubai to ensure that commercial establishments adhered to the precautionary guidelines without fail," said Hassan BuNafour, senior manager of the field control department for the sector.

"The inspections found that 15,045 establishments fully complied with the guidelines. The violations were found across diverse businesses, especially those that received customers or ran the risk of overcrowding and hence, lack of adequate physical distancing.”

Dubai Economy called on the public to report any breaches of regulations through the Dubai Consumer App available on Apple, Google and Huawei stores, by calling 600545555, or by the Consumerrights.ae website.