Eid Al Adha: Abu Dhabi issues guidelines to protect public during holiday

The Third Place Cafe on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi has a sticker to remind customers of Covid-19 precautions. Victor Besa / The National

An 'X' reminds people of the need for physical distancing at the Third Place Cafe. Victor Besa / The National

The Third Place Cafe in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Sanitation workers at Haddins Fitness, Zayed Sports City. Victor Besa / The National

Fitness buff Natalie Navikova exercises at Cobra Fitness Abu Dhabi at Al Bandar. Victor Besa / The National

CrossFit class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Hotel beaches are now open to guests at the Ramada Abu Dhabi Corniche after Covid-19 restrictions eased. Victor Besa / The National

Residents wear face masks as they walk in Abu Dhabi city centre. Victor Besa / The National

People walk along near the Ramada Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche during the pandemic. Victor Besa / The National

A man on his e-scooter travels along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi as the sun sets. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents should send virtual Eid greetings rather than meet family and friends in person, authorities said on Friday.

Public and private gatherings should be avoided to curb the spread of the coronavirus, said Abu Dhabi's Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, and public health bodies.

“Extend Eid greetings and wishes using online communication platforms,” said the committee.

“Avoid physical gatherings and opt to interact with friends and family virtually.”

Senior citizens and those who are sick or suffering from chronic conditions should “limit outings where possible,” said the committee.

And gifts should be avoided, especially cash.

“Send money digitally to avoid bank visits, where possible.”

The recommendation came after the day after authorities in Abu Dhabi announced a fresh set of measures to protect public health, which are due to start on Monday, the first day of the public holiday to mark Eid Al Adha.

Abu Dhabi residents must remain indoors "unless absolutely necessary" from midnight until 5am from Monday, after authorities announced the resumption of an extensive disinfection campaign to combat Covid-19.

Members of the public can only leave their homes during this period to "get essential supplies, such as food and medicine".

And they must first apply for a permit to leave their homes from Abu Dhabi Police.

The emirate also announced lower capacity limits for many public places.

Public beaches, public parks, private beaches and swimming pools, restaurants and cafes, gyms and spas, buses and public ferries will be allowed to admit no more than 50 per cent of their total capacity.

Shopping malls will be limited to 40 per cent capacity, while cinemas will operate at 30 per cent capacity.

No more than three passengers will be able to travel in a five-passenger taxi and four passengers in a seven-passenger taxi, the authority said.

Entry rules to Abu Dhabi have also been updated, requiring everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, to present a recent negative PCR or DPI test result, from Monday.

Mosques will remain open during Eid Al Adha with extra precautions, authorities confirmed.

Mosques will open 15 minutes prior to the start of prayers, which will be limited to 15 minutes, including the sermon.

Facilities such as washrooms and water dispensers will remain out of use. And mosques will shut immediately after prayers finish.

Prayers will be held at mosques and outdoor areas, and social distancing markers will be used to show people where to sit.

No prayers will be held at mosques and prayer areas on outer roads and petrol stations.

“All individuals living with those infected, or who are in contact with #COVID19 patients are strictly prohibited to attend prayers,” the government said.

“We also recommend the elderly, individuals suffering from chronic diseases and children under 12 years to avoid going to perform Eid prayer, to keep themselves safe and healthy.”