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After more than a month of closure, UAE’s LuLu Group will gradually reopen two of its mall properties in Abu Dhabi this week. However, the retail giant is not expecting a huge footfall in the first week.
Al Raha Mall will be the first to resume commercial activity tomorrow, May 18, while Mushrif Mall will start welcoming shoppers the next day.
Both properties will operate at 30 percent capacity and will observe more restrictions compared to Lulu’s other outlets in Dubai. Shopping or operating hours will be limited to 10 hours daily, from 12 noon.
“While we are sure that our shoppers will follow all the safety protocols in place, we will be closely monitoring and working with the authorities to further fine-tune the procedures to make shopping as much hassle-free and safe,” V. Nandakumar, chief communication officer of Lulu Group, said.
Last month, the government decided to ease its restrictions designed to stem the spread of coronavirus. Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and other shopping centers across Dubai and Abu Dhabi started reopening late in April.
LuLu Group had earlier reopened its property Al Wahda Mall, also in Abu Dhabi, and as expected, the huge pre-coronavirus pandemic crowds did not turn up, although visitors did start coming in for essentials shopping.
According to Nandakumar, they expect to see similar response from Al Raha and Mushrif mall customers.
“Serious buyers are coming. They also know the importance of social distancing and not spending too much time out. It’s good to know that yes, people are coming, but they’re coming in smaller groups, with a decent, clear plan on what they need to buy or where they need to go,” Nandakumar told Zawya.
Precautionary measures
As part of the precautionary measures, the two LuLu Group’s malls reopening this week have installed thermal scanners at all entrances, and anyone visiting the shops will be required to wear masks and gloves at all times.
Restaurants in the malls will strictly follow social distancing by allowing a maximum of 4 people per table.
Cinemas, gyms and entertainment/game centres are not yet allowed to reopen.
(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)
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