To contain COVID-19
Following a series of temporary shutdowns in the UAE amidst the coronavirus outbreak, some Dubai malls have now revealed they will reduce their trading hours.
Popular shopping outlets including Mall of the Emirates are set to reduce their opening hours as of Tuesday.
Majid Al Futtaim — the operator of Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre, City Centre Deira and City Centre Al Shindagha — stated its malls operating hours would now be reduced from 12pm to 8pm.
However, there has been no confirmation on how long this will be in effect for. Normal opening hours for the malls were from 10am to 10pm.
The mall operator stated the precautionary move was made in order to get through the “challenging times” posed during the coronavirus pandemic.
An additional statement on the change of hours was posted to the Mall of the Emirates Instagram page, stating the decision was made to “maintain a safe environment” for the community.
However, the statement confirmed Carrefour and pharmacies were exempt from the changed opening hours, and will “remain open as per their original schedule”.
Precautionary shutdowns taken place in the UAE
There have been many precautionary shutdowns that have taken place in the UAE for the next two to four weeks.
On Monday, the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority and General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments stated all prayers at mosques, churches and temples will temporarily be cancelled for the next four weeks in a bid to contain the spreading of coronavirus, and to safeguard public health of UAE citizens and residents.
Additionally as of yesterday, all Dubai pubs, bars and lounges are to close until the end of March. In a statement from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, all bars, pubs and lounges have been instructed to close effective immediately for the next two weeks.
These announcements came after all events were suspended in Dubai from Sunday 15 March until the end of the month.
Also per the direction for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, all entertainment destinations, hospitality establishments and wedding halls to “suspend” operations from 15 March until the end of the month.
All gyms, spas and parks have also closed for the next two weeks.
Similar closures have also taken place in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Kuwait.
More information on coronavirus:
- Tips on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus
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Sheikh Hamdan reveals reduction in DEWA bills for three months
Images: Instagram/@adriant1000