A family takes a selfie in front of Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority has issued fresh guidelines for Eid prayers and celebrations.  

Eid Al Fitr prayers protocol:

— The durations of the prayer and Khutba must not exceed 20 minutes.

— Worshippers to be supervised by police patrols, volunteers and imams to prevent overcrowding.

— Use personal or disposable worship carpets.

— Gates of mosques must be opened after the dawn prayer on day of Eid for Eid prayer, provided external speakers can broadcast the Eid takbeers half an hour before the prayer.

— We stress the necessity of obligating worshippers to wear face masks at all times and follow physical distancing at a distance of one metre.

A socially-distanced gathering inside a mosque.

— Avoid gathering and shaking hands after prayers.

— Outside areas of mosques must display physical distancing stickers with possibility of gathering in parks and parking lots nearing mosques.

— Wearing face masks and practising social distancing, especially when nearby vulnerable groups.

— Limit celebrations to immediate family members and relatives.

— Ensuring a valid green pass on Al Hosn app.

— We urge the public to use electronic alternatives for giving Eid presents.

The authorities stress the importance of community members' commitment and adherence to all instructions received from the health and concerned teams, and adherence to all precautionary measures, which is one of the most important factors supporting national efforts and the health and safety of individuals to ensure the strengthening and protection of society's immunity.

Officials said, “We call upon the public to cooperate in these blessed and virtuous days, to welcome together the happy Eid Al-Fitr in goodness, safety and security, and to celebrate with our loved ones safely, preserving ourselves and ensuring the safety of those dear to our hearts among the most vulnerable groups of children, people of determination and the elderly.”

The UAE and its leadership have contained the COVID-19 pandemic through a number of means, including widespread testing, tracking people exposed to cases, and ensuring isolation of those infected and social distancing.

The country is continuing to witness a decline in COVID-19 cases, mainly due to the significant efforts of various authorities, including those in the health sector, to protect achievements linked to the public’s adherence.

All relevant national sectors are continuing to monitor and assess the local and international situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, to support the decision-making process and achieve sustainable recovery.

The country has addressed the pandemic according to a proactive strategy and a distinguished Emirati model, through which it leads global indexes related to addressing the pandemic.