Abu Dhabi - UAE:
The Galleria Al Maryah Island announces its re-opening on May 2, 2020, following a directive by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development (DED) and in line with Al Maryah Island’s regulatory body, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) on shopping malls and commercial centres, and a subsequent inspection with a successful fulfilment of all precautionary requirements.

The latest new directive allows The Galleria’s retail stores and dining outlets to now operate, alongside pharmacies and its supermarket which have already been operational. Hair dressers and grooming salons will be welcoming customers for hair and nail with pre-booked appointments in order to implement social distancing and precautionary measures. Entertainment venues such as cinemas and play areas will remain closed, while food and beverage outlets can accommodate diners in groups of up to two persons per table and run the outlets at a maximum of 30% capacity. Take-away and home delivery service will still be available at these outlets and will be supported with online delivery options where applicable.

Ali Eid Al Mheiri, Executive Director of Real Estate & Infrastructure, Mubadala Investment Company, commented on the re-opening saying, “In line with government directives and our own safety measures, we are committed to protecting the health and safety of our residents, shoppers, tenants and employees at all our outlets. We are pleased to welcome visitors and shoppers once more while adhering to the policies and regulations of ADGM and the DED. As always, we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to work with government authorities to implement safety measures, putting the health and wellbeing of guests first.

To ensure guest safety, The Galleria has installed thermal scanners and temperature monitors at all entrances to screen visitors and employees. A rigorous cleaning and sanitisation programme is in place with regular and extended cleaning and hand sanitisers have been placed throughout the mall as well as within each store. In addition, all mall employees have undergone testing for the COVID-19 virus and tested negative before returning to work. Regular temperature tests will be conducted during hours of employment as well. Parking capacity is reduced to 50%, and designated car park spaces are marked.

All guests and employees will only be allowed to enter the malls when wearing protective gloves and masks, per government requirements. The mall’s management have also ensured, social distancing advisory signage appears throughout the mall, including lifts and escalators, and guest services, security and dedicated mall ambassadors have been thoroughly trained to handle suspected cases of COVID-19 and to enforce social distancing. Retail outlets will accommodate one customer for every five square metres, with changing rooms closed and no exchange of items permitted. Dining outlets and food courts have adjusted seating with tables 2.5 metres apart, with a maximum of two diners per table allowed. Cashless payment is encouraged to reduce physical contact and a restriction on product trials including cosmetics and shoes is in place. All touch screens have been disabled and lift usage is restricted only for People of Determination or parents with strollers. Moreover, seniors over the age of 60 will not be permitted in the mall to ensure their safety.

The Galleria will continue to work closely with the authorities to support all initiatives and provide a safe environment for those living in the UAE.