The UAE mosques will be allowed to operate at a capacity of 50% from August 3 as the country will reopen after a four day break of Eid Al Adha. Since July 1 the mosques in UAE have been operating at 30%. The new guidelines regarding this were announced in July through virtual press briefing.

The precautions would include the worshippers to maintain a distance of 2 metres. This is against the prior announcement of 3 metres.

Also, the gap between call to prayer (azan) and prayer (salah) has been increased to 10 minutes. However, for Maghrib (sunset prayer) the gap will be five minutes.

The other precautionary guidelines and measures in place would remain the same to ensure safety of all the worshippers against Covid-19. The guidelines include mandatory use of face masks at all times, worshippers have to bring their own prayer mat, ablutions must be performed at home, mosques must be used only for main prayers, elderly (more than 60 years of age) and children (younger than 12 years of age) must continue to pray at home and avoid coming to mosques, people with chronic diseases must also avoid coming to mosques.

People who must not enter mosque according to guidelines include:

·      People above 60 years and below 12 years.

·      People with chronic and respiratory diseases.

·      People who are living with Covid-19 patients.

The Do’s and Don’ts include:

·      All must download the tracing app AlHosn.

·      Wearing of face mask during prayers is mandatory.

·      Maintain a distance of 2 metre from others.

·      Carry your own prayer mat.

·      Copies of Holy Quran wont be available in mosques. If required, people must use the phone Quran.

·      Avoid crowding at entrances of mosques.

·      No hand shakes or hugs while greeting.