MUSCAT: Sultanate’s iconic destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment experience, Oman Avenues Mall, has reopened with new protocols and safety precautions in place, after being closed for several weeks in view of the COVID-19 pandemic containment measures.

The revised operational timings for the mall are from 12.00 pm to 9pm from Sunday to Saturday as phase 1 opening until further advice from the authorities.

Mr. Gogi George, General Manager, Development and Leasing, Lulu Group International said, “Health and safety of the community we serve is our top-most priority. In line with the guidance of Oman’s Supreme Committee, we have developed a comprehensive and designated set of protocols to be implemented by shoppers, retailers, employees and all parties related to the mall operations. A Pandemic Response Team (PRT) which is a cross functional team lead by the General Manager, Operations, shall be supervising the precautionary measures and ensuring all protocols are being followed correctly on a daily manner. We have taken every step possible to ensure that the mall is the safest premises for our valuable customers to visit.”

To safeguard the health and well-being of customers, employees and other visitors, the mall requires shoppers to cooperate with the mandatory measures put in place by the authorities which include wearing a face mask in public places, using hand sanitizers from different automated sanitizer dispensing stations located within the mall, avoiding crowding up in one particular area, and maintaining a set standard physical distance. 

All mall visitors will undergo automatic temperature checks through our state-of-the-art thermal cameras placed at multiple entrances of the mall. These cameras do mass scanning of the traffic entering from the designated entry points without the requirement of customers crowding or queuing up at entry points as the traffic is automatically screened.

All mall backend staff, retailer staff and third-party contractor staff must pass through automated face recognition cameras which senses if they have higher temperatures or are not wearing a mask, the designated entry gates will open only if the employee clears the screening point.

All are required to practice physical distancing and maintain a distance of two metres while in any part of the mall. While automatic hand sanitiser dispensing units have been placed throughout the mall, cleaning staff will regularly sanitise frequently touched surfaces; especially lift buttons, railings, doors, seats, tables, phone screens and laptops in the common areas. Retailers will thoroughly clean and sanitise the stores prior to opening of showrooms every day. Fitting rooms are temporarily closed. Customers are encouraged to use cashless payment options.

Mr. Gogi George added, “We have invested in the most advanced technologies which are unparalleled to ensure our visitors and customers can now be in realms of the most safe and secure shopping environment.”

Retail outlets will commence trading in 2 phases.

All the Retail outlets except for Food Court, Cinema, Family Entertainment Centers, Health & Wellness Center, Gym, Bowling Center & Library to commence trading in phase 1.

The remainder of the outlets shall commence trading in Phase 2 which shall be advised in liaison with Supreme committee’s directions.

Prayer halls shall remain closed until further notice from the authorities.

The mall has partnered with Burjeel Hospital for any emergencies on COVID-19 cases to ensure its patrons’ safety and keeping mall’s hygiene its utmost priority.