With the holiday season approaching, UAE authorities have urged the public to comply with relevant precautionary measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As the country is planning to unite for the celebration of National Day on December 2, authorities have appealed to the public to prioritise everyone's safety amid the pandemic circumstances.

Furthermore, Christmas and New Year are also celebrated in a jubilant style across the Emirates. However, this year, officials have urged people to celebrate the occasions with caution in a bid to control the spread of the virus as post-pandemic recovery efforts are underway across the country.

Speaking on the matter, a government spokesperson said that the authorities are stressing the need for adhering to COVID-19 precautionary and preventive measures for various activities. Key guidelines issued by the authorities for the holiday and festive celebrations include limiting gatherings for firework displays, cancellation of parties at offices or workplaces and mandatory official approval for organising music concerts and other live events. In addition, the exchange of gifts and food items are also prohibited during the festive celebrations.

At the same time, the officials have also reminded the public to wear face masks at all times and maintain social distancing of two-metre during the celebrations. At public facilities, strict sanitisation protocols will be implemented including the installation of thermal imaging cameras at entrances and exits with the aim of limiting the rate of infection. Furthermore, residents will be urged to celebrate the holidays remotely to curb the spread of the virus.

Officials are planning to hold the traditional National Day show this month without a public audience.

While Emirates will be celebrating its 49th year in a grand manner, all safety measures will be kept in mind in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, thousands of Emiratis participated in the National Day celebrations in a stadium enjoying the patriotic spirit. However, this year's celebration will be organised in Abu Dhabi on December 2 without a crowd.

But the authorities have confirmed that it will be a visually stunning display that will reach all homes across the seven emirates. Reportedly, the show is named the 'Seeds of the Union' and it will take the form of a moving sculpture surrounded by sea. It will be illuminated by striking digital images inspired by the values of the UAE and will represent key themes from the country's history.

Meanwhile, the UAE is making all possible efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. On Tuesday, 1,255 new cases were reported in the country, taking the number of total infections to 152,809. Furthermore, the total number of COVID-19 recoveries has risen to 144,647 after 715 people were cleared of the virus in the past 24 hours. Authorities carried out 105,024 new Coronavirus tests across the Emirates, boosting the number to more than 15.1 million tests performed in the country since the outbreak.