Abu Dhabi malls face stiff fines, closure for breaking Covid-19 rules

Malls in Abu Dhabi face heavy fines and possible closure if they violate regulations aimed at safeguarding staff and customers amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it was announced on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) issued a circular to mall managers and owners in Abu Dhabi that have been given permission to re-open, reminding them that they are obliged to comply with previously announced precautionary measures.

The ADDED circular noted that violations will initially lead to fines of AED 3,000, which will then be doubled to AED 6,000 for those who break the rules a second time.

Third time violators will be fined AED 8,000. If a mall or shopping centre violates the rules a fourth time, the facility will be closed and fined AED 10,000.

“In line with all these efforts, all of us – whether companies, citizens or residents – should be responsible and attentive in dealing with the ongoing circumstances with great caution and implement the set guidelines and instructions,” said Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, undersecretary of ADDED.

Rules for malls include maintaining crowds at 30 percent of capacity, forbidding the entry of visitors younger than 12 and older than 60, and ensuring that masks and gloves are worn.

Arabian Business. May 6, 2020.