The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy conducted 23,735 inspections since the reopening of markets beginning Ramadan, during which 22,328 shops were found fully compliant to the precautionary guidelines. CCCP also shut down 122 shops, and issued fines to 64 for non-compliance with the precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks and gloves, maintaining physical distancing, and practicing business activities prohibited in the current market re-opening phase. CCCP also warned 1,222 shops with the aim of enhancing awareness among the business community and ensuring the safety of all.

Inspections during the first week of Ramadan revealed that 73% of the shops fully complied with the precautionary guidelines while the second, third and fourth weeks showed exceptionally improved compliance rates of 98%, 99% and 99.5%, respectively.

The inspection campaign covered all open market areas and malls in Dubai, with 465 campaigns conducted across high street markets and 190, in malls.

Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, CEO of CCCP, said: “The high compliance rate we witnessed among businesses during the inspections reflect the level of their awareness and responsibility as well as resilience in the face of the changes that have occurred in doing business in the emirate. We thank the private sector for their commitment and keenness to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“In this market re-opening phase, our daily inspections verified that commercial establishments complied to the precautionary guidelines against COVID-19, remained committed to the shutdown announced during the National SterilisationProgramme, and did not practise any prohibited activity.”

Lootah added: “Dubai Economy, through its inspections and the warnings, aims to educate the business community and consumers on the need to adhere to precautionary measures to ensure the supreme goal of ensuring safety and security for all members of the community in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Dubai Economy also called on consumers to report any non-compliance to the COVID-19 precautionary guidelines via the Dubai Consumer App available on Apple, Google, and Huawei stores, by calling 600545555, or on the Consumerrights.ae website.