Dubai cafe and two shopping centres in Ajman shut down for flouting Covid-19 rules

Nine other businesses in Dubai were also fined in the latest round of inspections

Commuters wait for their bus outside the airconditioned bus stop along al Falah Street in central Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon All photos by. All photos by Victor Besa /The National

Mustaffa, eleven, waits for his bread to be baked with his uncle Abdul Qader outside the Naser Bader Bakery.

Abdul Rahman has been working at Naser Bader Bakery along Al Falah Street, Abu Dhabi for almost five years now.

The new air-conditioned bus stops around Abu Dhabi with Covid-19 restrictions.

Pedestrians cross the street at central Abu Dhabi on Friday afternoon.

Commuters get off the bus at Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

Commuters get off the bus at Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

E-scooter riders along Al Falah Street in central Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

A cafe in Dubai and two shopping centres in Ajman have been shut down for flouting Covid-19 safety rules.

The closure of the cafe in Dubai's Al Seef area was ordered by Dubai Economy on Monday after it failed to enforce social distancing to protect diners from Covid-19.

Nine other businesses in the emirate were fined after staff failed to wear face masks and for ignoring social distancing rules.

These include a restaurant in Umm Hurair, outlets in various shopping centres and a tailoring and embroidery shop in Abu Hail.

A gym in Al Safa 1 was also fined.

Six other businesses were warned for not placing social distancing floor markings.

Officers said 668 shops and commercial establishments complied with the rules.

Inspection visits by the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection department of Dubai Economy will continue to ensure businesses comply with the precautionary guidelines.

“Dubai has seen a gradual return to normal and safe economic activities thanks to the directives of the leadership and the precautionary measures implemented,” said a representative of Dubai Economy

On Saturday, a sports facility in Al Qusais was shut down for failing to meet Covid-19 safety measures while several facilities were fined.

Dubai Economy warned that stern action will be taken against anyone found flouting rules.

“The disciplinary action is meant to be a deterrent against any violation or abuse,” said the representative.

The authority urged people to report any offences on the Dubai Consumer app, or by calling 600545555, and by visiting www.consumerrights.ae.

The Department of Economic Development in Ajman also shut down two shopping centres after its officials found Covid-19 safety failures during inspections.