It is not a complete close down, the UAE’s supermarkets will remain open, allowing people to buy the supplies they need Supermarkets are providing hand sanitizers at entrances, asking staff to wear masks and using floor markings to encourage social distancing. DUBAI: As the UAE’s iconic malls close on Wednesday amid coronavirus concerns, their boulevard like walk ways will fall silent, shoppers told to remain in their homes. It is not a complete close down, the UAE’s supermarkets will remain open, allowing people to buy the supplies they need. Brands like Lulu Group, Union Coop, Al-Maya Supermarkets, Choithrams, Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Spar group, Spinneys and Carrefour, will operate according to their usual schedules, including 24-hour shops. Supermarkets are providing hand sanitizers at entrances, asking staff to wear masks and using floor markings to encourage social distancing. UAE authorities said on Sunday that all shopping malls will close down after 48 hours for a period of two weeks. Meanwhile, all restaurants, cafes and cafeterias in Dubai were closed on Sunday for two weeks. Earlier, private and public beaches, parks, pools and gyms were also closed for the same period of time. The decisions come as part of the country’s regulations to curb the spread of coronavirus.