UAE issued strict guidelines for those celebrating Eid al-Fitr

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Administration allows the mosque to hold Eid al-Adha prayers, but stated that these prayers must be carried out in compliance with all social distancing norms and the COVID-19 agreement issued by the government.

The government has announced a four-day holiday for the public and private sectors in the UAE starting from July 20th to July 22nd. The weekend will follow, and the office will only open on July 25.

On the eve of the holiday, NCEMA Tweeted: “Eid al-Adha prayers will be held, provided that the maximum duration of Khutbah is 15 minutes, while observing all previously applicable precautions.

“Social distance markers will be placed on prayer points in mosques, public parking lots and outdoor spaces in parks near the mosque.

“We confirm that the door of the mosque will be closed directly after prayer. In addition, service facilities such as toilets, Wudu places and drinking fountains will continue to be closed.”

NCEMA also urges all worshippers to bring their own prayer mats and strictly prohibits all those who live with infected persons or come into contact with COVID-19 patients from participating in prayer. The authorities also advise the elderly, children under 12 and people with chronic diseases not to pray for Eid al-Fitr.

NCEMA recommends that gatherings between family members living together and performances of Al-Adahi (sacrifice) should be restricted.

NCEMA added: “Please avoid all types of gatherings and handshake before and after Eid al-Fitr prayers, and limit greetings and congratulations within a safe distance.”

“We recommend that gatherings should be limited to the same family living with the same family and first-degree relatives. It is important to test before the visit and make sure everyone is healthy.

“We recommend that Al-Adahi be executed by entrusting the official charity of the UAE to kill and distribute meat, or through related smart applications. In addition, avoid the exchange and distribution of Al-Adahi meat, gifts and food among neighbors.

In the past 10 days, the number of new cases has been below 1,600—a significant improvement from the average of 2,000 cases per day in June.

On Tuesday, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson of the UAE Health Department, warned residents to be vigilant and follow all guidelines to ensure that the situation does not get out of control again.

PhD Hosnani Quoting from last year’s Eid, this year’s New Year’s Eve and Eid Mubarak The May holidays and the surge in numbers after these celebrations.

After Eid al-Fitr last year, the number of cases has increased by nearly 500%, from an average of 300 cases per day to nearly 1,400. A similar trend appeared on New Year’s Eve, with an average increase of cases from approximately 1,400 in December 2020 to nearly 3,700.

“Your commitment to COVID safety measures, especially during the holiday season, will help reduce the infection rate. Celebrate Eid al-Fitr safely and enjoy all its goodness. Just follow the safety procedures,” Dr. Hosnani added.