Eid celebrations begin, residents urged to avoid gatherings, handshakes

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In the UAE, Eid celebrations began with a call from the authorities to follow strict virus safety protocols.

The authority advised all worshippers to bring their own prayer mats, stressing that it was strictly forbidden for COVID-19 patients and their close contacts to attend prayers.

The authorities said, "Please avoid gatherings and handshakes before and after the Eid prayer in all its forms, and greet and congratulate each other from a distance only.”

The doors of Musallahs and mosques will open 15 minutes before the start of the prayer and will close immediately after prayers.

The authority advised the elderly, people suffering from chronic diseases and children under 12 years to avoid going to the Eid Al Adha prayers in order to preserve their health and safety.

The Eid Al Adha holidays began on July 19, Monday (Day of Arafat), and will end on Thursday, July 22, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced.

The UAE residents are having the longest break of this year on Eid.

The two-day weekend on July 23 and 24 will follow it. And work for all federal ministries and entities will resume on Sunday, 25th July.

This applies to those who have a two-day weekly off. The residents in the UAE will enjoy six-day Eid holidays.

Zul Hijjah is the last month of the Islamic calendar and Muslims celebrate Eid Al Adha on 10th of this month.

Abu Dhabi decorated its streets, bridges and public areas to celebrate Eid.

Different areas of the seven emirates have been decorated on the occasion, but authorities have urged member of the public to adhere to precautionary measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Many municipalities in the UAE announced its readiness to receive the blessed Eid Al-Adha, according to a proactive plan and comprehensive preventive measures with the aim of preserving the health and safety of residents and visitors from the emerging coronavirus pandemic.