Ras Al Khaimah authorities have reopened wedding venues in the emirate with effect from Tuesday. However, all wedding venues are required to follow a set of strict protocols in order to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These measures include reducing the guest capacity from 50 percent to 30 percent and prohibiting music bands. Wedding organisers are also required to obtain a permit from relevant authorities to conduct the ceremony on their premises.

According to COVID-19 protocols issued by Ras Al Khaimah's Department of Economic Development, all guests are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 48 hours before attending the wedding.

People who have received their COVID-19 vaccinations have been exempted from presenting a negative PCR test certificate. But they are required to present an official proof highlighting that two weeks have passed since they received their second COVID-19 vaccine dose.

In addition, all guests and staff are required to wear face masks at all times and maintain social distancing during the ceremony. If any guest shows symptoms of respiratory diseases or has a temperature higher than 38°C, they must not be allowed to enter the wedding hall.

All precautionary measures announced by the authorities previously will continue to remain in place, including temperature checking of guests on arrival.

Organisers must ensure that wedding venues are thoroughly sanitised after every use and on daily basis.

Kitchen staff at wedding halls must wear protective masks, gloves, head caps and aprons. Furthermore, they must change the protective kit after preparing each meal.

All wedding venues and event halls have been closed in the UAE since February 10 to curtail the virus transmission.

Amid this development, the UAE is preparing for the Holy Month of Ramadan with restrictions for a second time since last year's lockdown.

In this regard, authorities in Ras Al Khaimah have announced that stringent COVID-19 precautionary measures will be followed by everyone during the Holy Month. To prevent the spread of virus, the authorities have suspended the distribution of meals inside or in front of restaurants, homes and mosques during Ramadan. People willing to distribute iftar meals have been asked to liaise with a restaurant or a legal charitable organisation.