UAE announces protocols for Eid Al Fitr

The UAE has announced protocols for Eid Al Fitr, expected to fall next week.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority said that Eid prayers and the Khutbah combined must not exceed 20 minutes. The entry and exit of worshippers will be supervised by police patrols, volunteers and imams, to prevent overcrowding and maintain order.

Dr. Taher Al Ameri, NCEMA official spokesman said that the protocol stipulates putting up physical distancing stickers across the outdoor spaces surrounding mosques. Parks and parking lots may also be used, official news agency WAM reported.

#NCEMA: Today, we are announcing an update to the Eid al-Fitr protocol, which includes conditions for Eid al-Fitr prayers and related precautionary measures.#TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/AjIIGe68XG

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) April 27, 2022

Mosques and prayer halls will open after the dawn prayers on Eid day, with speakers scheduled to announce the Eid takbeers half an hour before the prayer begin.

Worshippers must wear face masks at all times, maintain physical distancing of one metre and use personal or single-use prayer mats. People are advised to avoid gatherings, handshakes and physical greetings, and opt for verbal greetings, a statement said.

“The protocol includes several conditions related to Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, including the need to have an active green pass on the Al Hosn app and adhering to relevant precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks and practicing physical distancing, especially when sitting with vulnerable society segments, such as people of determination, the elderly and people with chronic diseases,” said Dr. Al Ameri.

“We urge the public to use electronic alternatives to distribute cash bonuses and gifts, and limit celebrations to immediate family members and relatives, as well as avoid physical greetings.”

“The country is continuing to see a decline in Covid-19 cases, which is mainly due to the significant efforts of various authorities, led by the health sector. The UAE has made major strides in terms of recovery and return to normalcy, which can only be maintained through the public’s adherence [to preventive measures],” he stated.

Eid Al Fitr in the UAE is forecast to fall on Monday, May 2, according to the Emirates Astronomical Society (EAS).

Read: Revealed: Likely date for Eid Al Fitr 2022 in UAE