Authorities in Dubai shut down 11 businesses over Covid-19 breaches

Dubai also issued more than 250 fines for breaking coronavirus rules in March

A boy wearing a face mask takes his dogs on a stroll on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A Covid-19 safety sign on Al Qahirah street in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Checkers line up at the entrance of Global Village with masks and face shields. Reem Mohammed / The National

Abu Dhabi residents on their Friday morning fitness ritual. Victor Besa / The National

Bridal facemask at Contessa Bridal Dubai in City Walk in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An employee at The Meydan Hotel in Dubai sanitises the reception area to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lifeguard at The Meydan Hotel with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Hygiene and Covid-19 safety measures take place at a fitness class at Bare. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady works on her laptop while wearing a mask at Times Square in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

People wear masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Satwa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Coronavirus safety measures are taken at 815 Dance & Performing Arts Training Centre in Silicone Oasis in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady takes part in an art installation which comes to life via augmented reality with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai Economy closed down 11 shops for flouting Covid-19 guidelines in March.

The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector of the authority issued 252 fines and 61 warnings during the month.

Most of the breaches were related to failure to wear face masks or adhere to physical distancing rules.

The incidents were detected during inspections of markets and shopping centres across the emirate.

“Dubai Economy will continue the inspections along with our various partners, and will not tolerate any violation or malpractice detected or reported by the public,” said Abdul Aziz Al Tannak, director of commercial control at Dubai Economy.

“Businesses should strictly adhere to precautionary measures such as wearing masks and gloves and maintaining physical distancing.”

Mr Al Tannak said Dubai Economy had stepped up inspections and there were almost 16,500 stores in the emirate in full compliance with the rules.

This figure, he said, showed more than 98 per cent of stores were applying social distancing rules correctly.

He also urged the public to report any breaches through the Dubai Consumer App, which is available on the Apple, Google and Huawei stores.

Alternatively, they could call 600 545 555 or lodge a complaint on the consumerrights.ae website.