UAE Allows Mosques To Hold Eid Al-Adha Prayers For 15 Minutes, Issues Covid-19 Guidelines

UAE granted mosques permission to hold Eid Al-Adha prayers on Tuesday. The authority stated that such prayers can be held in open-air spaces.

Mosques and prayer locations have been urged to open their doors to the public 15 minutes before to the commencement of the prayer, in accordance with Covid-19 rules. Prayers, including preaching, have been limited to 15 minutes in length.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) of the United Arab Emirate (UAE) granted mosques permission to hold Eid Al-Adha prayers on Tuesday. The authority stated that such prayers can be held in open-air spaces.

Mosques and prayer locations have been urged to open their doors to the public 15 minutes before to the commencement of the prayer, in accordance with Covid-19 rules. Prayers, including preaching, have been limited to 15 minutes in length.

“Eid Al-Adha prayer will be conducted, provided that the maximum period of Khutbah is 15 minutes while adhering to all previously applicable precautionary measures. The doors of prayer areas and mosques will be opened 15 minutes prior to the start of Prayer,” the authority said.

“We recommend all worshippers to bring their own prayer mat. Social distancing markers will be placed on prayer spots,” NCEMA added. 

Authorities have instructed mosques to close their doors as soon as prayer is finished, and they have forbidden mosques and prayer sites near highways and gas stations from holding prayer meetings. “We confirm that the doors of mosques will be closed directly after prayer. Also, service facilities, such as washrooms, Wudu places and water dispensers shall continue to be closed. Mosques and prayer areas on the outer roads and gas stations will continue to be closed,” the release stated.

Infected people and their close relatives are not allowed to attend prayers. Children, individuals over the age of 60, and those with comorbidities have also been asked to pray in the privacy of their own homes.

NCEMA has also issued slaughterhouse rules, urging local authorities to follow them "assess the procedures of slaughterhouses, and livestock markets".

Due to the epidemic, Emiratis have been advised not to share Al-Adahi meat or sacrifice meat with their neighbours. “We recommend that performing Al-Adahi (sacrifices) through delegating the UAE official charities to kill and distribute the meat, or via relevant smart apps,” the authorities said.