Khaleej Times

AIRPORT RAPID TESTS NOT AMONG BANNED ONES

More than 90 retail shops inside the mall have benefited from this move

- Saman Haziq

DUBAI — Passengers on repatriati­on flights are administer­ed a rapid Covid-19 test that has been approved by the UAE authoritie­s, officials have said.

The clarificat­ion came as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) banned the use of rapid laboratory screening kits to detect blood antibodies to the Covid-19 virus due to inaccuraci­es in results.

Indian passengers being repatriate­d from the UAE are required to take a test called IGM/IGG before departure.

This blood test, which delivers results within 5-10 minutes, detects antibodies in patients’ serum and has been approved by the DHA and the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

A source told Khaleej Times: “There are a number of rapid tests for Covid-19, but the one that has been banned is done using laboratory screening kits. This particular method has just a 30 per cent accuracy rate.”

Dubai – In support of the UAE government’s efforts to overcome the battle against Covid-19, Al Bustan Centre has waived off two months’ rent for all its tenants. This move by the mall management comes as a relief to the tenants that will help them sustain their business and minimise the impact of this global crisis.

Aiming to support its retail and mall tenants, Al Bustan Centre offered rent relief for March and April 2020. More than 90 retail shops within the mall, both existing or under constructi­on, have benefited from this move.

Moussa El Hayek, chief operating officer of Al Bustan Centre, said: “In these unfortunat­e times, we empathise with every business that is facing difficulti­es, and we are committed to supporting our retailers by easing their rental burden. In full support of the UAE government’s approach and initiative­s, Al Bustan Centre was motivated to follow this lead by giving opportunit­ies and incentives to its valued shopping mall tenants to mitigate the effect of this crisis. Al Bustan Centre is strongly dedicated to the well-being of the nation and will continue to come up with ways that can help ease the economic pressure on its retailers.

“We are moved by the efforts of the government in responding aggressive­ly and giving generous assistance to more than 33 countries to date through its humanitari­an

arms working together with the business community and internatio­nal organisati­ons, including the World Health Organizati­on and World Food Program. The UAE government is committed to making sure that the residents’ needs are sufficient­ly met. The donation of the much-needed medical supplies and repatriati­ng foreign nationals should be applauded.”

El Hayek added that the management is hopeful of a positive outcome and is looking forward to a revived economy after overcoming this challenge.

“Our tenants have always been crucial for us and we hope our efforts will make way for businesses to survive this global crisis,” he added.

Al Bustan Centre & Residence provides the finest family getaway in the form of a residentia­l, shopping and entertainm­ent complex. An expansive shopping mall with over 95 outlets attached, the property offers the convenienc­e of modern day one-stop shopping. The property comprises 640 suites, a swimming pool, two onsite restaurant­s, fitness facilities, a business centre and meeting rooms. Situated within easy distance from Dubai’s business district, it is just 50 metres away from Al Nahda Metro Station, five minutes away from Dubai Internatio­nal Airport and seven minutes from Downtown. Its strategic location also allows its residents and visitors a smooth access to other emirates including Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. [1524218]

Our tenants have always been crucial for us and we hope our efforts will make way for businesses to survive this global crisis. moussa el Hayek, chief operating officer of Al Bustan Centre

 ??  ?? SettiNg aN example: the waiver is applicable to existing and under-constructi­on stores.
SettiNg aN example: the waiver is applicable to existing and under-constructi­on stores.
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