The Abu Dhabi government plans to reopen malls in the capital. However, a set of precautionary measure are also put in place. The government plans to gradually increase the economic activity to fight the Covid consequences. The Department of Economic Development Abu Dhabi (ADDED) is also exploring options to collaborate with private sector and stakeholders on reopening of malls.
What’s In It?
The move will bring back business to retailers and also allow public to shop during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr. “The swift adoption of wide-reaching preventive measures, including high testing rates and the use of technology to curb the spread of Covid-19, has enabled us to commence plans for re-opening parts of the economy,” said Mohammed Al Hammadi, chairman of the department.
However, a set of rules are put in place to ensure residents’ safety. The government has announced to limit the number of people in shops and car parks. In addition, some outlets will also remain closed. All the staff in the mall will be tested for Covid-19. As of now, there is no mention of a date for the reopening.
The working hours will continue to be from noon to 9 pm, except for supermarkets, pharmacies and money exchange houses which will be allowed to operate from 9 am till midnight. Meanwhile, commercial activities like gyms, pubs, cinema halls and other entertainment venues will remain closed.
Malls and shopping centres have been asked to ensure the overall capacity doesn’t exceed 30 per cent. Also, entry for senior citizens above 60 years is restricted. Visitors are urged to maintain social distancing and compulsorily wear masks and gloves.
What Else?
Abu Dhabi now has specially-designed vehicles to sterilize the city. The initiative is a collaborative effort by the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Abu Dhabi Center for Waste Management (Tadweer).
The specially-designed trucks sterilise public facilities and residential areas. The move is part of the ongoing sterilization program happening in the UAE.
What’s It?
45 special vehicles are used to wash and sterilize Abu Dhabi streets. The vehicles are equipped with a dual spray capability to achieve the best results. The vehicles can spray sterilisation materials for 100 metres and are supported by two fans, with a capacity of 30 kilowatts.
Each vehicle can hold up to 10,000 litres of water and consumes about 10 cubic meters of water per hour. This also makes it an eco-friendly consumption of water and materials, and the ability to clean as many areas as possible.
