Sterilisation under way at Abu Dhabi malls as they prepare to reopen to the public

Lulu Group, which operates Al Wahda and many other malls in the capital, says it is is disinfecting premises to welcome back shoppers

Malls in Abu Dhabi are preparing to reopen to the public, undertaking a number of sterilisation measures to ensure the health and safety of customers.

While a date for reopening is yet to be announced, it is expected that stores will soon recommence operation at a limited capacity, in line with the new rules implemented in Dubai this week.

Lulu Group, which operates a number of malls in the capital including Khalidiyah Mall, Mushrif Mall, Al Wahda Mall, Mazyad Mall, Al Raha Mall, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, Barari Outlet Mall and Al Foah Mall, has released a series of images showing its malls being deep cleaned as part of the ongoing national sanitisation programme.

The group says preparations are being made to welcome back shoppers in line with the directives of authorities in Abu Dhabi. "We are working very closely with various government authorities to implement the highest standards of health and safety measures," says Wajeb Khoury, director of Line Investments, the mall management company. "Each and every touchpoint and nook and corner of our malls are being deep cleaned and sanitised to ensure the safety of our customers and staff."

Lulu is also offering employees of its malls and tenants medical check-ups in co-ordination with Seha at its designated Covid-19 testing centre. So far, more than 5,000 staff have been screened.

“While thanking the community for all their support, I humbly urge them to follow all the safety protocols such as social distancing, wearing of masks and gloves whenever they go for shopping,” says Khoury.

A number of malls in Dubai, including the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, are reopening this week, operating at a strict 30 per cent capacity and with amended opening hours. Malls will be open from noon to 10pm, while entertainment options such as cinemas will remain closed. Sanitisation tunnels will be installed in the larger malls for key workers, such as delivery drivers. High-touch points will be sterilised at least every 30 minutes.