Latest: Abu Dhabi government to cut workplace attendance to 30 per cent
Capacity in malls in Abu Dhabi has been reduced as part of a raft of new restrictions designed to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Malls across the emirate must operate at no more than 40 per cent of their maximum capacity, according to a notice issued to retailers seen by The National.
Gyms will be limited to 50 per cent, while restaurants and coffee shops must admit no more than 60 per cent of their capacity.
All staff working in malls must wear gloves and masks at all times under the rules, which were issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Employees of cafes in the capital confirmed the move, saying they were informed of the change on Friday and took steps to comply.
On Friday, Vox Cinemas announced it had been ordered to close its screens in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain "until further notice", as part of the new guidelines.
Customers said they were turned away from the Vox Cinema in Yas Mall on Friday by staff who said the company had received a notice instructing cinemas in the emirate to shut.
A message on the company's Instagram account said: "In compliance with the government-mandated closure of cinemas in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Vox Cinemas will be temporarily closed from Friday, 5 February until further notice.
“We will be back soon, so please stay tuned for updates on reopening.”
The new restrictions follow a series of measures announced by Dubai in recent days and weeks to curb the spread of Covid-19.
They included cutting seating capacity in various venues including cinemas, entertainment and sports complexes to 50 per cent.
But the closure of cinemas and reduction in capacity at malls, gyms, restaurants and coffee shops are the first such measures to affect Abu Dhabi since last summer.
The emirate closed all stores except supermarkets and pharmacies as the virus spread last spring, but it slowly unwound the restrictions over the summer as new cases ebbed.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
Company%20Profile
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Captain Marvel
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn
4/5 stars
TOUCH RULES
Touch is derived from rugby league. Teams consist of up to 14 players with a maximum of six on the field at any time.
Teams can make as many substitutions as they want during the 40 minute matches.
Similar to rugby league, the attacking team has six attempts - or touches - before possession changes over.
A touch is any contact between the player with the ball and a defender, and must be with minimum force.
After a touch the player performs a “roll-ball” - similar to the play-the-ball in league - stepping over or rolling the ball between the feet.
At the roll-ball, the defenders have to retreat a minimum of five metres.
A touchdown is scored when an attacking player places the ball on or over the score-line.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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