New Delhi: Apple has temporarily shut its corporate offices and five retail stores in the United Arab Emirates after rising tensions across the Middle East triggered new government safety guidance. The move is after a weekend of increased uncertainties in the area, and the authorities were encouraging private businesses to reduce physical operations.
The shutdowns began at 3 pm on Saturday, February 28, and will affect the major places in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain. The relocation follows a period where firms all over the UAE re-evaluate safety precautions at their workplaces and turn to working remotely wherever feasible.
UAE Government issues precautionary advisory
The move is based on new directions by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in the UAE. The ministry informed firms in the private sector to minimise the number of employees working in the open areas of the firm, with the exception of those jobs which must be attended to physically.
Remote working is one of the precautions advised to businesses. The advisory will last three days and will be on Sunday, March 1, up to Tuesday, March 3. According to the officials, the timeline can be altered as the situation in the region develops.
Five Apple stores temporarily closed
The affected retail outlets include Apple Al Maryah Island and Apple Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi; Apple Dubai Mall and Apple Mall of the Emirates in Dubai; and Apple Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain. Corporate office operations have also been paused during this period.
The firm has not made a comprehensive announcement to the community other than the temporary closures. The move can be viewed as a broader attempt by companies in the UAE to focus on employee and customer safety as more people are uncertain.
Work activities are set to restart as soon as the authorities establish that there would be no risks in returning to normal working conditions.