It’s business as usual for supermarkets in Dubai

dubai — Most of the hypermarkets and supermarkets across Dubai will remain open as usual, leading grocery chains have confirmed.

This comes after the UAE announced revised national sterilisation programme timings from Wednesday.

Residents are not allowed to step out of their homes from 8pm to 6am unless for emergencies. In industrial areas and areas with worker accommodations, the timings are from 6pm to 6am.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office tweeted on Wednesday that supermarkets, cooperatives, grocery stores and pharmacists may remain open 24/7.

V. Nandkumar, chief communications officer, Lulu Group, told Khaleej Times: “All our hypermarkets will operate as usual until 10pm daily. No changes will be there.” Another leading supermarket group confirmed the same. Kamal Vachani, group director of Almaya Group said: “We are open as per our usual timings. But of course, this is subject to any further changes or circulars that we receive from the concerned ministry.”

Sterilisation starts early at industrial areas

The National Sterilisation Programme in industrial areas and worker accommodations in the UAE now starts at 6pm and continues until 6am.

The new directive took effect on Wednesday. In a joint statement, the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation urged those residing in these areas to not step out unless for emergencies during these hours.