As restrictions around the UAE ease, with malls, cinemas, gyms and shops reopening, businesses are welcoming more customers back through their doors.
However, for shoppers still wary about stepping foot in stores, one home improvement company has come up with a new solution.
Ace Hardware has launched a drive-through option for customers to pick up their orders. The contact-free pick-up service means shoppers can select and pay for their goods online, and then remain in their car as their order is placed in the vehicle.
"The first of its kind in the UAE, Drive Thru is an innovative solution that gives our customers the option to safely collect their Ace orders without having to step out of their vehicles," the store's website states.
"This service is completely contactless and is in accordance with the government’s regulations on social distancing."
The service is, however, only available at one of the chain's locations, in Dubai Festival City mall.
To use the collection option, shoppers must select the Drive Thru / Click and Collect tab when checking out their items online. Once the order is made, Ace will email customers a link through which they can book a collection slot, followed up by a text message to confirm the time.
On the day of collection, shoppers should follows signs at the Dubai Festival City store to the dedicated Drive Thru parking area, and then use a link sent via text message to confirm their arrival. Store employees will then load items directly into the car boot.
The service does not come with a surcharge, with pick-up available between 7am and 10pm daily.
For people who want to shop in-store, Ace also offers the option to book visitation slots on its website.
The slots, which can be booked for stores at Dubai Festival City, Dubai Motor City, Dubai's Al Quoz, Yas Island and Abu Dhabi's Mina Road, come in 15-minute intervals, and mean shoppers won't have to queue at the doors should the store's capacity have been reached.
As part of Dubai's easing on restrictions last week, stores and malls must comply with social distancing guidelines and ensure visitors wear face masks.
Children under 12 and adults over 60 remain restricted from entering malls or supermarkets.
