UAE residents 'reluctant' to get haircuts this Eid, say barbers

Fujairah - Fujairah's Dibba Al Hisn Municipality has been inspecting salons and barbershops daily to monitor compliance with safety rules.

Have you been reluctant to get a haircut these days, even for Eid Al Adha? You're not alone. Barbers and hairdressers in Fujairah have said they have been 'sitting idle' during what used to be some of their busiest days.
Mustafa Khan, a Pakistani hairdresser, said he used to work day and night at this time of the year, with customers waiting here and there. "Now, however, only some 20 per cent of my customers show up."
The same scenario could be observed at another Fujairah barbershop. Reda Alaa, an Iraqi stylist, said that up to 70 per cent of his customers told him they wanted a haircut "but only a few of them did come".
While the quiet days in the run-up to this Eid were 'almost unbelievable' for them, they said it was expected in the time of the pandemic.
"Residents still prefer to stay home and stay safe from Covid-19," said Muhammad Samir, an Indian barber. He added that he even tried convincing his loyal customers to come and avail of special offers and services, but to no avail.
Strict safety measures are being enforced across the country, and these cover salons and barbershops. Fujairah's Dibba Al Hisn Municipality has ramped up inspections in these places to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
"All hairdressers need to follow the rules, which mainly include cleanliness, physical distancing (minimum of two metres), using hand sanitisers and single-use tools, and wearing gloves and masks," said Taleb Al Yahyai, director of the municipality.
Figures show that seven salons and barbershops in the emirate were issued warning letters since the inspections started. In other parts of the country, some grooming shops have been shut for safety violations.
 "These Fujairah shops were caught flouting rules during the 253 field visits that were conducted after the reopening," Al Yahyai said. Daily inspections continue to monitor compliance.
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• Fujairah