UAE Government: malls, restaurants to operate at 60% capacity

Commercial centres and restaurants across the UAE can now operate at 60 per cent of their total capacity.

That's according to an announcement made by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA).

They clarified that no more than four people can be seated per table in restaurants and a social distance of two meters must be maintained at all times.

Children under the age of 12 are now permitted to enter shopping malls and restaurants, however, those above 70 are still not allowed.

The two authorities have also called on establishments to comply with the safety measures, which include carrying out mandatory temperature checks, closing off all waiting areas, providing visitors with hand sanitiser and serving customers using disposable cutlery.

Meanwhile, residents must also remember to wear their masks and gloves in public. Children under the age of four are exempt from the rule.

The #UAE announces new capacity volumes for its shopping centers and restaurants.#YouAreResponsible#We_Are_All_Responsible pic.twitter.com/xuzMo0eRKK

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) June 25, 2020

In a statement, the government entities clarified that capacity limits and safety measures are subject to evaluation by relevant authorities in each emirate depending on the readiness of each establishment.

The rule will apply to all emirates except for Dubai, after the emirate announced on June 2 that malls and private sector businesses can operate at 100 per cent capacity.

Under the directives of @HHShkMohd, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in #Dubai, headed by @sheikhmansoor, announces that shopping malls and the private sector can operate at 100% capacity starting Wednesday, 3 June 2020.https://t.co/77xJDy7rgJ pic.twitter.com/ojhWnCdYAI

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 2, 2020