Abu Dhabi sets out Eid Al Adha 2022 safety measures

Abu Dhabi has set out Covid-19 safety measures to help limit the spread of the virus during Eid Al Adha celebrations.

The capital's Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Department of Health and its Public Health Centre, has approved key protocols on the wearing of face coverings, physical distancing and testing for the religious holiday.

The rules are in line with those announced by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority in its televised coronavirus briefing each week.

Eid Al Adha will begin on Saturday, with public and private sector workers on holiday from Friday, July 8 until Monday, July 11.

Work will resume on Tuesday, July 12.

The guidelines cover Eid prayers, animal sacrifices during the festival, social activities and for pilgrims returning from Hajj.

Eid prayers

* Worshippers should wear face masks

* They should avoid gathering and shaking hands after prayers

* Maintain a distance of one metre from others

Social activities

* People should wear masks and ensure physical distance of one metre, especially from people considered vulnerable, such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases

* Limit celebrations and gatherings to family members and close relatives when possible

* It is advisable to take a PCR test 72 hours prior to attending Eid events

* Use digital payment methods instead of exchanging cash in person when giving money for Eid whenever possible

Returning pilgrims

* Activate green status on Al Hosn app ― typically through a negative PCR test ― before leaving the country

* Avoid leaving home and mixing with others in the first week of return from Hajj

* PCR tests are optional on arrival back in the country, but mandatory in the event of Covid-related symptoms.

* Take a PCR test on the fourth day of return to maintain green status on Al Hosn

Sacrifices

* Ensure distributions are stored in sanitised containers before sharing

* Use only approved venues and abattoirs

* Ensure payments are made digitally whenever possible

Public urged to act responsibly

Dr Taher Al Ameri, spokesman for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema), said at Monday's briefing that it would strictly monitor compliance with regulations in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.

Dr Al Ameri said the government was aware that some had neglected Covid-19 rules in public places.

The number of daily infections have increased in recent weeks, topping 1,600 each day since June 23. Daily case numbers had dropped below 200 in early May.

Muslims prepare for Eid Al Adha - in pictures

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).