DUBAI — A real estate brokerage office in the city was ordered closed by Dubai Economy, the retail regulator in the emirate, on Monday after the overcrowded office was found to have violated the physical distancing guidelines prescribed as part of the precautionary measures against COVID-19.

Field inspectors from the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy also imposed fines on eight commercial establishments — six for employees’ lack of commitment to wearing masks, and two for violating physical distancing guidelines — during inspections held on Monday across open markets and shopping centers to verify compliance with the precautionary measures.

The violations were spotted in businesses located in Al Muraqqabat, Naif, Ayal Nasir, and Al Thanyah First areas, and their activities included general trade, mobile phone trade, auto parts trade, and electronics trade.

Inspectors also warned a business for not placing the physical distancing stickers as required. Overall, teams conducted 691 inspections visits on Monday and found that 681 shops and commercial establishments fully complied with the precautionary measures.

Dubai Economy called on everyone to cooperate and contribute to keeping the emirate’s economy moving forward in spite of the pandemic threat. The precautionary measures have seen a gradual return to normal and safe economic activities in Dubai, leading to the opening of all sectors and the economic reset. — SG