Businesses reopen in phases

Retail businesses – including shopping malls, high street locations, commercial centres, stores, restaurants and salons – began reopening in the UAE on April 25 and in Saudi Arabia from April 29.

Among the rst shopping malls to open in the UAE included

Al-Futtaim Malls – including Dubai Festival City Mall – Nakheel Malls portfolio, Aldar’s shopping malls, Mall of the Emirates, e Dubai Mall and Mercato, to name a few. In Saudi Arabia, Arabian Centres opened 20 shopping malls across the Kingdom. e shopping malls in the UAE are operational for 10 hours from 12-10 PM, while in

Saudi Arabia, the operational hours are from 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM.

In the UAE, Dubai Economy has emphasised that as part of the gradual reopening of retail businesses, shopping centres and high street locations will have to maintain 30% occupancy in common and gross leasable areas. In comparison, 75% of mall parking will remain closed. Also, visitors below 15 years and above 65 years are not being allowed in the shopping malls yet.

F&B outlets will have to reduce seating arrangements to 30% and maintain a six-feet distance between tables. Similarly, stores will have to indicate the maximum number of people allowed inside, keeping a four feet distance.

During the rst phase of reopening, entertainment centres, cinemas as well as prayer rooms and public seating will remain closed.

e shopping centres are required to ensure strict sanitisation and sterilisation of the space. Mall employees and visitors must undergo temperature check at the entrance, in addition to wearing gloves and face masks. Establishments are also encouraging digital payment methods, although cash is acceptable. e social distancing of two feet is always mandatory.