With Ramadan less than a month away, new COVID rules have now been placed so that everyone adhere’s to rules while still fasting and enjoying the family time that comes along with the Holy Month. Authorities in the UAE have put these safety measures in place just last night so that we may all prepare for what’s to come. We *are* still living in a pandemic.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA,) announced via Twitter that evening gatherings must be avoided. Including family visits and even sharing food.Â
#NCEMA: For the health & safety of society, we advise all to avoid evening gatherings during Ramadan, limit family visits, & avoid distributing & exchanging meals between homes & families. Only members of the same family living in the same house can share meals#TogetherWeRecover
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 16, 2021
#NCEMA: It is not allowed to create family or institutional iftar tents, share meals in public places or provide & distribute iftar meals in front of homes & mosques. Those interested in doing so, must coordinate with charities. With donations & zakat done electronically.
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 16, 2021
Even iftar tents are prohibited. And restaurants aren’t allowed to ‘distribute iftar meals inside or in front of the restaurant.’
#NCEMA: Tarawih prayers will be held according to #Covid19 precautionary measures, in addition to continuing the implementation of all preventive and precautionary measures while praying.#TogetherWeRecover
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 16, 2021
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Tarawih prayers will still be held, but have been capped at 30 minutes, and Mosques will be closed immediately after the prayer.Â
These rules may change towards the last 10 days of Ramadan, also known as Qiyam-ul-layl, depending on the status of the pandemic in the country. However authorities have asked everyone to ‘cooperate and adhere to measures and instructions, as intensive inspection campaigns will be carried out during Ramadan, and legal measures will be taken against all violators, whether individuals or institutions.’
#NCEMA: As for Qiyam-ul-layl during the last ten days of Ramadan, the status of the pandemic in the country will be continuously assessed, and the measures will be updated in accordance with new developments.#TogetherWeRecover
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 16, 2021