Residents in the UAE capital can expect more inspections and monitoring campaigns during Ramadan to ensure compliance with precautionary measures during the pandemic, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said on Thursday.
A set of easy-to-understand instructions on how residents should conduct themselves during the holy month was approved by the committee, in collaboration with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.
The preventive measures relate to religious practices and activities, as well as social activities.
The guide emphasises the importance of following the instructions to protect and ensure the health and safety of all.
Any offenders will be reported to the attorney general.
Many of the measures derive from the rules implemented nearly a year ago to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Residents are reminded "that no food may be distributed from private residences, mosques or restaurants. Instead iftar meal donations are allowed through online distribution platforms".
Paying zakat and alms donations should "be done online through the websites of various charities".
Families and friends are also instructed to "gather virtually during Ramadan nights, instead of physical gatherings and home visits", while Ramadan greetings and wishes should be extended "through online communication platforms instead of physical gatherings or attending majlis".
Shoppers are advised to "minimise visits to grocery stores" or avoid peak hours, use electronic payment options and disinfect shopping trolleys. Escalators are recommended over lifts elevators and individuals from vulnerable groups are told to avoid going shopping.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said working hours for government employees during Ramadan would be from 9am until 2pm.
The holy month is expected to start on April 12, but the final date will be confirmed by the UAE's Moon-sighting committee.
Authorities said it is a "national obligation" to follow safety measures and help lead the country's recovery from the pandemic.
"The Emirates has followed a pragmatic approach in combating the outbreak, creating a balance between health and economy," said Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesman for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.
“But health remains a priority over everything else.”
Officials said the public should follow nationwide restrictions.
“We will have inspection campaigns and surprise visits to facilities. Those breaking the rules will be held accountable and facilities may be shut down,” Dr Al Dhaheri said.
“Public health is a social responsibility and following all instructions is a national obligation.”
The celebration of Ramadan around the world – in pictures
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A cannon is fired to signal the end of the fast on the first day of Ramadan at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Victor Besa / The National -
A boy looks through a window near decorations for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Sidon, Lebanon. Reuters -
Palestinian Musharatis call for Muslims to wake up to have the predawn meal before they start their long-day fast in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Reuters -
A Muslim man reads the Quran inside a mosque in Mamuju, West Sulawesi province, Indonesia. Reuters -
A Muslim prays on a roof inside Jerusalem's Old City. Reuters -
People eat their Iftar meals at Jama Masjid in the old quarters of Delhi, India. Reuters -
Migrant workers pray in their dormitory in Singapore. Reuters -
Muslims attend a Friday prayer at Mahabat Khan mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan. Reuters -
A small group of worshippers pray at Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Reuters -
People buy traditional bread at a bakery before the time for iftar in the rebel-held Idlib city, Syria. Reuters -
Sheikh Junayd Ahmad leads livestreamed Taraweeh evening prayers at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound in Redmond, Washington, USA. Reuters -
A Muslim family breaks their fast with the Iftar meal in the historic Bo-Kaap district in Cape Town, South Africa. Reuters -
A muezzin of the shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani prays in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters -
A man prays insider the Great Mosque of Brussels in Belgium. Reuters -
Muslims pray before breaking their fast at Independence Square, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Reuters -
A boy looks up while waiting to break his fast in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Reuters -
A man reads the Quran by the window of his house in Ahmedabad, India. Reuters -
A girl lies down as women pray at a mosque in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Reuters -
Imam Ahmad Al-Harasis reads the Quran at Abdullah Ben Sallam mosque in Amman, Jordan. reuters -
Nepalese Muslim men are seen reflected in a mirror as they pray next to sacks of food to distribute to needy families in Kathmandu, Nepal. Reuters
