Ajman lifts ban on weddings and social gatherings

Weddings with up to 200 guests are now permitted as well as home gatherings with no more than 50 people

Prescila Akl and Fady Younes exchange wedding vows at a small service on August 10, 2020, in St Therese Church in Abu Dhabi.

Bridesmaids Anastasia, Katia and Yasmine Daher at the wedding of Laura Daher and Elie Abi Daher in Abu Dhabi. Laura Daher and Elie Abi Daher

Laura Daher walks into the church with her sister and maid of honour Linda and brother George for her wedding a small service at St Therese Church in Abu Dhabi on August 17, 2020.

Laura Daher walks down the aisle with her brother George. She married Elie Abi Daher in a quiet ceremony with only eight guests at the St Therese Church in Abu Dhabi. Laura Daher and Elie Abi Daher

Laura Daher walks down the aisle with her brother George. The pandemic meant there was a limit on how many people could attend her wedding. Laura Daher and Elie Abi Daher

Guests at a wedding in Abu Dhabi in August 2020. The number of people permitted to attend weddings has since been increased.

Weddings and social gatherings that are hosted in compliance with safety measures can now be held in Ajman.

A months-long ban on gatherings, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, was lifted by the emirate's Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Team on Sunday.

The updated regulations allow social events in halls, hotels and homes, but those in attendance must wear face masks and maintain physical distancing.

Weddings held in large halls must not exceed 200 guests with each table seating no more than five people.

And no more than 50 people can attend a social gathering in someone's home.

Maj Gen Sheikh Sultan Al Nuaimi, commander-in-chief of Ajman Police and Head of the Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Team, said the ban was lifted to allow people to celebrate joyous events together.

He said the change in rules did not mean people could ignore safety advice and called on the public to protect themselves and others from Covid-19 by following the rules.

Last week, Sharjah also allowed wedding receptions and social gatherings to resume in line with Covid-19 safety guidelines.

The directive was issued by Sharjah Executive Council and official guidelines are due to be announced by the emirate's Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management.

Last month, Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management lifted its ban on wedding receptions and social events at homes, hotels, halls and tents.

It said each hall could host up to 200 people, while parties at homes and tents should not exceed 30 people, with a rule of one person per four square metres of space in the venue.

The committee said guests should avoid shaking hands, kissing or hugging. Face masks are mandatory at all times except when seated at a table of no more than five people and guests should avoid sitting facing one another.

Guests should also maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres.

Abu Dhabi allowed weddings and social gatherings to take place in the emirate from September but with greater restrictions on the number of guests.

Only formal wedding ceremonies can be held and no more than 10 guests can attend.

Face masks must be worn at all times and disposable cutlery and utensils must be used if food and drinks are served.

Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre issued the updated guidelines, which aim to protect the public and prevent the spread of Covid-19 while allowing some social gatherings to resume.

The centre recommended guests take a Covid-19 test 24 hours before the event to ensure the safety of those attending.

Social gatherings are also limited to 10 first-degree family members.