With the holiday season approaching, the UAE authorities have issued COVID-19 related precautionary measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all community members during Eid Al Adha celebrations. On Tuesday, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced that mosques across the UAE will be opened in line with precautionary measures to allow worshippers to perform Eid Al Adha prayers.

Addressing a weekly media briefing, Taher Al Ameri, the official spokesperson for NCEMA, explained the Eid protocols aimed at ensuring the safety of all worshippers.

Noting that the sermon is limited to 15 minutes, the NCEMA official stated that mosques and musallahs across the country will open 15 minutes before the Eid prayer and will close immediately after. The authority has prohibited the traditional practice of handshaking and hugs before and after the prayer. In addition, worshippers are urged to bring their own rugs. Worshippers are also advised against gathering at the places of worship before or after the prayer.

The authority has advised elderly people, those with chronic diseases and children under the age of 12 to offer the Eid prayer at home to ensure their health and safety. People infected with COVID-19 and those who have come in close contact with infected individuals are strictly prohibited from attending prayers in places of worship. UAE residents have been urged to avoid visiting family gatherings and large events during the Eid holidays.

“Celebrations must be restricted to members of the same family who live in the same house,” the spokesperson added.

During the briefing, Al Ameri lauded the efforts and cooperation shown by all community segments in the UAE. He further quoted the saying of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces: “We bet on the high level of awareness demonstrated by the Emirati society during the crisis and its role in implementing the new requirements imposed by the new reality of life after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The UAE's health sector has been working continuously to ensure the health and safety of society in line with an integrated national strategy adopted by wise leadership to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. The NCEMA spokesperson underlined that the UAE is moving towards sustainable recovery with the gradual return of activities to normality.

He added that the resumption of economic activities across the UAE has taken place in line with the comprehensive strategy and successful efforts of the key sectors in limiting the spread of the virus.

“It is imperative to strengthen the concept of openness and the post-COVID-19 new life,” Al Ameri added.

Furthermore, Dr Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, highlighted that a rise in daily reported COVID-19 infections and deaths was witnessed in the UAE after the last three holidays - Eid Al Fitr break in May, New Year’s Eve celebrations and Eid Al Adha last year.

In this regard, she urged all community members to show their utmost commitment to safety and preventive measures, especially during festive seasons, noting that it will contribute significantly to limiting the spread of the virus and reducing infection and death rates in the country.