After months of closure, mosques and places of worship will officially reopen in the UAE from Wednesday, July 1, with a maximum capacity of 30 percent.
The news was confirmed during a press briefing earlier this week.
During the announcement, Dr. Seif Al Dhaheri, the official spokesman for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, revealed that mosques are set to open starting Wednesday, July 1. He added that mosques located on external roads, industrial areas, labour cities, shopping malls, and parks would remain closed until further notice. Friday prayers also remain suspended until further notice.
UAE Mosque Guidelines and Rules
- Dr. Al Dhaheri stressed that tthose who have had contact or live nearby confirmed COVID-19 cases should not attend communal prayers or enter mosques, for the health and safety of the public
- Children under the age of 12 and those with chronic illnesses are advised not to attend communal prayers or visit mosques
- All those entering the mosque have to download the Al Hosn app
- A strict social distance of three meters is to be maintained
- Protective masks are to be worn at all times
- Worshippers have to bring their own prayer mats
- The reading of the Quran should be on one's personal electronic devices, which should be brought from home
Any mosques which report new coronavirus cases will be closed until further notice.
The announcement comes after the UAE lifted its nation-wide curfew restrictions, following the completion of the National Sterilisation Programme.
While the curfew, which ran from 11 pm to 6 am in Dubai, has been lifted, it is important to note that there are still a number of COVID-19 safety guidelines that still have to be followed. These include:
- Not wearing a face mask in public could result in an AED3,000 fine
- Having more than three passengers in a vehicle, who are not members of your family, could result in an AED3,000 fine
- Hosting gatherings and inviting people over could result in an AED10,000 fine
- Attending a meeting as a guest could result in an AED5,000 fine
- Failing to maintain social distancing at work or other public places, such as shops and restaurants, could result in an AED3,000 fine per person and an AED5,000 penalty for the institution
- Not wearing a face mask at work could result in a fine of AED5,000 for the employee and an AED5,000 penalty for the company
- Those caught holding private tuitions could face a fine of AED20,000, while the tutor could be fined AED30,000
- Failing to comply with home quarantine rules could result in an AED50,000 fine
- Failing to download the Alhosn app, if you have tested positive for coronavirus could result in an AED10,000 fine
- Refusing to do a Covid-19 test if asked could result in an AED5,000 fine
Repeat offenders face fines of up to AED100,000.
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