Abu Dhabi fines for non-compliant mall owners

By DG Staff

UAE 7 May 2020: The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has issued a new circular to owners and managers of shopping centres and malls in Abu Dhabi that have been granted permits to reopen their doors to visitors and shoppers, reminding them to ensure full compliance to the rules and regulations regarding the implementation of precautionary measures against the spread of coronavirus, Covid-19.

The circular stated that non-compliance could result to issuance of fines of Dh3,000, and Dh6,000 for repeating the violation, and increased to Dh8,000 in case it is repeated for the third time. If violation is again committed for the fourth time, it will end in closing the facility, in addition to Dh10,000 fine.

Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, emphasized the importance of reducing the malls’ capacity up to 30 per cent and prevent the entry of visitors above the age of 60 or under 12 years old. The malls should also adhere to all instructions related to maintaining adequate space between shoppers; ensure the wearing of face masks and hand gloves; limit each visitor to shop for only two hours, alongside the other conditions stipulated in its previously issued circular.

1,342 outlets fully complaint in Dubai

The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy on Wednesday said inspections found that 1,342 businesses were compliant with reopening guidelines.

In addition, 19 businesses were warned for not displaying social distancing stickers.

During the inspection of high-street shops, 908 were found to have fully complied with the precautionary guidelines, and only three warnings were issued. The shops inspected were in Al Nahda, Satwa, Muteena, Hor Al Anz, Frij Murar, Abu Hail, Al Rafaa, Ayal Nassir, Souq Al Kabeer, Karama, Naif, Oud Metha, Al Wasl, Ras Al Khor, Al Twar, and Jumeirah .

Nine shopping malls were also inspected, and 16 outlets were warned for not displaying social distancing stickers. Also, 434 outlets were found to be fully compliant, said Wam.

Dubai Economy directed traders to comply with the Covid-19 precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks and gloves, ensuring social distancing, and not conducting commercial activities between 10 pm to 6 am during the National Disinfection Programme unless previous circulars exempted the activity from closing and allowed 24/7 operations.

Dubai Economy also called on consumers to report any non-compliance to the Covid-19 precautionary guidelines via the Dubai Consumer App available, by calling 600545555, or on the Consumerrights.ae website.

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60+ and -12 cannot enter malls, retail stores: UAE