Fresh food business gathers currency

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

The central fresh food and vegetable market in Al Aweer, Dubai, has been witnessing an increase in the number of visitors while the vendors and workers are expecting to see the ‘normal rush’ soon in their market.

Talking to Gulf Today, traders of fresh fruits and vegetables stalls in one of the retail space in the market said that the recent change in the timing of national sanitisation campaign in the country has been helping the retailers in the market to deal with increasing number of customers of fresh produce.

“Last month, we had short hours of retailers as everyone has to reach their homes before 8pm but now the deadline has been increased to 11pm we are now at ease as majority of customers are coming to buying fresh produce in the evening hours after finishing their office hours,” said Shakeeb Akhtar, a fresh fruit and vegetable vendor.

Another worker in the market said that the prices are good and the number of visitor of the market have been increasing but still we are waiting for more people.

However, Dubai Outlet Mall has been taking all precautionary measures and steps since January 2020 such as awareness communication, regular sanitisation, sterilisation and disinfectant protocols to limit, contain and curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Shopping malls

“Shopping malls play an important role in the normal Dubai lifestyle and DOM is well prepared (as per all relevant guidelines and safety precautions ) to welcome its regular customers and visitors,” said Vishal Mahajan, Director Dubai Outlet Mall.

The mall is implementing all measures such as thermal scanners for its customers & staffs, 24 hour sanitisation of common areas, social distancing policies, signages for visitors and staff to wear masks and gloves, elevators to be used by people with disabilities with social distancing of 2 metres.