COVID-19 UAE: Places of worship open in the Emirates after months of closure

Measures such as temperature checks, social distancing and mask wearing remain in place

Last updated: July 01, 2020 | 19:21

Nilanjana G. Javed, Editorial Liaison Manager

2 MIN READ

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Worshippers pay obeisance at Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah.

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Mosques across the UAE have been closed as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus since March 16. They reopened today with strict guidelines to ensure the safety of their visitors.

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About 770 mosques reopened in Dubai today, a welcome sight for the faithful.

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A set of eight procedures have been listen to ensure safety including leaving an empty row between worshippers. The faithful have also been asked to bring their own prayer mats.

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Karama Mosque . Mosques are reopen for daily prayers but Friday prayers were not yet permitted. Worshippers should perform ablution at home before attending the mosque for prayer.

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A mask clad worshipper enters the Blue mosque also known as AlFarooq Omar bin AlKhattab mosque in Dubai to pray.

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All worshippers must download Al Hosn application.

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Worshippers at Dhuhr prayers in a Sharjah mosque. Worshippers are encouraged to frequently sanitise their hands.

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Maintaining physical distancing of three metres, worshippers pray at a Sharjah mosque

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At the entrances of places such as the Bur Dubai temple (pictured), there are strategically placed markers for visitors to stand. These stickers ensure that social distancing – or a difference of two metres between people – is maintained at all times.

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Other precautions being undertaken at the Bur Dubai temple include the wearing of facemasks at all times.

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Plus, temperatures are checked before one can gain entry to the temple, to ensure that symptomatic carriers of the virus don't make it in, thus reducing the chances of infection sharing.

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So that people don't forget the measures in place for their own safety, there are posters detailing safe behaviours set up at easy-to-read spots at the places of worship. Pictured here is one such sign at the Bur Dubai Temple.

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In keeping with the UAE's guidelines of social distancing, at least 2 metres of space must be left between visitors. Pictured above: people at the Bur Dubai Temple.

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Gurudwara prepares to open in Dubai.

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Gurudwara committee prepares to sanitise the building before reopening.

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Safety Sanitizing station. Only packed food (prasad) will be served upon its opening.

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