Abu Dhabi's Al Wahda Mall has reopened after being closed the last few weeks to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. However, there are now a number of new rules to consider when visiting.
To ensure the safety and well-being of customers as well as employees, the mall will operate on a 30 per cent capacity and requires shoppers to adhere to the safety measure put in place by the UAE government which include shopping with a face mask and gloves on. Thermal screenings will also take place at the entrances.
There is a two-hour limit for how long visitors can stay as well as a two metre social distance rule that should be kept throughout the visit. Also, those under the age of 12 and above 60 will not be allowed in as per government rules.
When it comes to shopping, fitting rooms will be closed and refunds and exchanges will not be allowed. Stores will also list the max capacity of visitors allowed to make sure social distancing measures can be met. Using credit card is preferred over cash transactions and shoppers are expected to bring their own bags.
The gym and cinema will remain closed and food and beverage outlets will operate at a 30 per cent capacity with two at a table. The mall will open from noon to 9pm with the Lulu hypermarket open from 8am to 10pm and the pharmacies and money exchange outlets opened from 9am to 10pm.
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
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Result: Winners play at Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in September
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Dh212
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Dh478
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