Coronavirus: Air fresheners falsely labelled as sanitisers seized in Sharjah

Rogue traders who tried to dupe customers into buying air fresheners labelled as sanitiser products are to face hefty fines after being caught out by authorities in Sharjah.

Sharjah Economic Development Department seized the counterfeit goods during a series of inspections held across the emirate.

Officials said they were determined to clamp down on offenders exploiting the safety concerns of the public amid the coronavirus outbreak.

A member of medical staff carries a swab test at a drive-thru testing facility at Bahrain Exhibition Center, in Manama, Bahrain. Reuters

Truck driver Salim Omrah, 52, walks through a disinfection gate at Ibrahim Al-Khalil complex at Zakho outskirt, Dohuk governoate, Iraq. Reuters

A worker disinfects the hands of a woman before she enters a supermarket in Sanaa, Yemen. EPA

A factory worker packages disposable protective masks along a production line in Morocco's Casablanca. AFP

A Lebanese Maronite Christian priest leads a prosession in a street on Good Friday, in the dominantly Christian suburb of Dekwaneh, east of the capital Beirut. AFP

Newly-wed Palestinians embrace as they stand inside a beauty salon in the Deheisheh camp for Palestinian refugees near the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. AFP

A Palestinian man reads the Koran alone at the al-Qazazin mosque in the occupied West Bank town of Hebron. AFP

The Cairo Tower lights up with text encouraging Egyptians to stay home and safe, in Cairo, Egypt. EPA

Outlets across the Emirates have recorded a surge in sales of hygiene products – such as hand sanitisers – in recent weeks as residents seek to protect themselves against possible infection.

The fake goods were confiscated and withdrawn from sale.

The SEDD said those caught breaching regulations would face heavy fines and could be referred to public prosecution for further punishment.

Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, chairman of SEDD, said the authority would continue to work to protect the public from unscrupulous businesses and individuals seeking to achieve “material gain” during a time of great difficulty for so many.

Members of the public who spot breaches of consumer regulations were urged to contact SEDD on 800 80000 or visit www.shjconsumer.ae to lodge a complaint.

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How will Gen Alpha invest?

Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.

“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.

Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.

He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.

Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152