UAE mosques open with strict guidelines
DUBAI: The faithful thronged mosques and places of worship across the UAE on Wednesday after the authorities opened it with strict guidelines and measures.
Videos showed residents attending the morning and afternoon prayers with social distancing.
The decision was taken to restore normalcy in lives of residents after months of restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Sharjah residents gathered at the mosques designated for prayers after the restrictions were lifted on Wednesday.
In Dubai, the Al-rashidiya Grand Mosque received worshippers during the noon prayers with precautionary measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
A video showed Dhuhr prayer at the AlShuhada Mosque in Fujairah after the worshippers returned to the mosques in a pleasant spiritual atmosphere after a closure that lasted for more than 100 days.
Worshippers also gathered for the noon prayer at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Ajman.
In Ras Al Khaimah, the faithful returned to the mosques for Fajr prayer with commitment to preventive measures.
NCEMA spokesperson Dr Saif Al Dhaheri said, “As a continuation of the precautionary measures, mosques will not be open for Friday prayers.
“Also, certain mosques located in industrial areas, labour residential areas, shopping malls and public parks will remain closed until further notice.”
The authorities said, “Negligence and recklessness of individuals will jeopardise the efforts of the first line of defence and the efforts of institutions who have worked tirelessly to protect the health and safety of the nation.”