Two gyms and a department store shut down in Dubai for flouting Covid-19 rules

A further 28 businesses were issued with fines during inspections in the emirate on Saturday

People walk around in the Al Karama area of Dubai as life in the UAE beings to resemble pre-pandemic times. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

The country has got to grips with curbing the spread of Covid-19.

The UAE registered its lowest daily tally of new Covid-19 infections in 20 months.

More than 100 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in the UAE to date.

People wearing masks are out shopping in the Al Karama area of Dubai.

The UAE's extensive vaccination campaign has been widely credited with helping to drive down case numbers.

New daily cases have remained below 100 for five weeks.

Authorities confirmed last week that 100 per cent of the eligible population had now received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose.

More than 90 per cent of the UAE population are fully vaccinated.

A masked worker pushes a trolley laden with water bottles in the Al Karama area of Dubai.

Social distancing stickers pasted at a bus stop serve as a warning to travellers in Dubai.

People shopping in the Al Karama area of Dubai.

Two gyms and a department store were shut down for breaching Covid-19 safety measures.

A further 28 firms were hit with fines for breaching regulations as part of a clampdown led by Dubai's Department of Economic Development.

The offences were uncovered during a series of inspections of open markets and commercial premises on Saturday.

The authority said the gyms were closed for breaking "precautionary guidelines against Covid-19", while the department store was shut down for failing to enforce physical distancing protocols.

The financial penalties were issued for breaches related to the wearing of face masks and physical distancing during a sweep of Al Barsha, Souq Al Kabeer, Al Murar, Al Baraha, Oud Metha, Al Nahda, Burj Khalifa, Al Quoz, Al Bada'a and various shopping malls.

Inspectors found 480 establishments had fully complied with strict guidelines governing the operation of businesses during the pandemic.

Traders caught out included those dealing in mobile phones and accessories, document processing, textiles, travel and inbound tours. Money exchange houses, photo studios, therapeutic massage service providers, print and copy services, and physiotherapy were also on the list – in addition to gyms.

The department called on businesses to adhere to safety measures and urged the public to report infractions through the Dubai Consumer App available on Apple, Google and Huawei stores, by calling 600 545 555, or via the Consumerrights.ae website.