Waterfront Market will today resume 'business as normal for all its customers' after being granted permission by Dubai authorities to reopen to the public. In a statement, the company announced it had been deemed an "essential service to the public and to trade customers" and it would reopen each of its sections – fish, meat, fruits and vegetables and dry goods – from Tuesday, April 7. Pre-coronavirus, the fish market was open around the clock, but it will now close between 12pm and 2pm, and 2am to 6am, for deep cleaning and sanitisation. The bustling market, located in Deira, is home to hundreds of vendors. It opened two-and-a-half years ago, having taken over from Deira’s famed Fish Market. The new sprawling site is a covered market with air-conditioning. As part of its reopening, the Waterfront Market announced it had implemented a "range of precautionary health and safety measures" to combat the spread of the coronavirus. They have implemented a 24-hour cleaning programme, which includes constantly disinfecting and sanitising all common areas. Thermal cameras have been placed at all entrances to the market and fixed hand sanitiser units have also been installed. All customers and staff will be encouraged to practice physical distancing, masks and gloves will be mandatory and only one family member will be allowed to enter. Children will not be allowed. The market is known for its nightly auction, held from 11pm until 6am, which is when many of the UAE’s hotels and restaurants buy their produce. In a bid to encourage small businesses and independent fishermen, small boats are given free entry to the auction and can sell fish 24/7. As part of the reopening, it was announced that the fish auction would also resume, with the use of thermal cameras, the mandatory wearing of masks and gloves and strict physical distancing rules. As well as the fish market, the Lulu Hypermarket and on-site pharmacy are also open, however, all other retail outlets there will remain closed until further notice. Waterfront Market restaurants will continue to provide home deliveries.
