In line with the UAE national government’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus within communities, The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has issued a new circular extending the temporary closure of commercial centers, shopping malls, cinemas, electronic game halls (arcades) and other entertainment destinations in the emirate of Abu Dhabi until further notice.
The newly issued circular is aligned with the efforts of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) according to Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of ADDED.
Entertainment, Commercial Places in Abu Dhabi to Remain Closed Indefinitely
The initiative serves as a continuation of the preventive and precautionary measures being implemented to help combat the spread of the coronavirus and further maintain the health, safety, and security of community members, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.
Al Shorafa further noted that other circulars that ADDED has released, including the suspension of valet parking services; closure of fitness and bodybuilding halls; and the banning of hookah (shisha) in restaurants and cafes will also continue to remain in effect until further notice.
The directive applies to all licensed companies and establishments in Abu Dhabi to continue to comply with the order to remain closed, which means not to open their doors to the public offering their products and services for the time being.
The initiative aims to help reduce the occurrence of human gatherings, which can spread the coronavirus. Furthermore, ADDED will be carrying out inspection visits to ensure compliance with this order and monitor any violations being made.
In line with this, facilities and establishments are ordered to comply and adhere to the directives in the circular–starting from the issuance date of the order and until further notice.
Continuous coordination is also urged between these facilities with relevant authorities, especially with concerns related to the health and safety of community members of Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE.
Meanwhile, as the rest of the UAE is advised to remain inside their homes due to the extended sanitization drive, authorities are reminding everyone that violation of this ordinance will cost them a fine of AED 2,000, with the exemption of those who either go to work (essential services) or to buy basic necessities.
Moreover, authorities have imposed this ordinance to contain the movement of people in the country and to limit non-essential matters like going to the beach and parks or gatherings in public areas.
Any individual who refuses to respond to warnings and directives issued by law enforcement officers of the competent federal and local bodies will be issued a violation.
Also, those who are caught repeating the violation will be doubled the fine given to them. Violators will then be referred to the Emergency and Crisis Prosecution Department at the Federal Public Prosecution if the violation is committed for the third time.
In the next two weeks, everyone in the UAE is required to #StayHome as the government strengthens its efforts in disinfection and limiting the movement of people in communities to aggressively contain the spread of the virus locally.
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