UAE 17 March 2021: The latest procedures and instructions related to preventing the spread of the virus during Ramadan, were announced yesterday by Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, Official Spokesperson of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA).
“Under the framework of community responsibility and considering the customs and traditions of the Holy Month of Ramadan, we are announcing, today, a series of procedures and instructions aimed at maintaining public health and safety during the Holy Month,” he said.
Family Meals: Al Dhaheri urged everyone to avoid majlis during Ramadan, as well as family visits and the distribution of meals between families, noting that only one family living in the same house can have iftar and suhoor meals together.
Public Meals: He also pointed out that family or organisational iftar tents or group iftars in public spaces will not be allowed, along with the distribution of iftar meals in front of houses and mosques, explaining that people who wish to distribute iftar meals may coordinate with charity associations, and zakat and other donations may be donated online.
The distribution of meals and in-kind donations will be limited to official and registered national charity organisations according to approved protocols, he further added, stressing that restaurants will be prohibited from distributing iftar meals inside or in front of their premises, and meals can only be distributed to workers’ accommodation through direct coordination between restaurants and the management of workers’ housing units in every area while respecting social distancing rules.
Regarding Tarawih prayers, Al Dhaheri stated that prayers can take place according to current precautionary controls and previous precautionary measures covering prayers, such as a 30-minute limit, noting that mosques will be closed immediately after prayers. Women’s prayer areas, services and health facilities and outdoor prayer corners in mosques will be closed, he added.
Concerning night prayers during the last ten days of the Holy Month, he further said that the situation will be assessed at that time and current procedures will be updated accordingly, but religious sessions in mosques shall be suspended, noting that people may participate in lectures and religious sessions virtually via smartphones.
“We urge everyone to cooperate and adhere to relevant procedures and instructions. Intensive inspection campaigns will take place during the Holy Month, and whoever violates declared procedures, whether individuals and institutions, will be subject to legal action,” he stressed.
“The pandemic has created a new reality, but we can enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the Holy Month while adhering to the precautionary measures. We can still be in contact with our loved ones despite social distancing via social media and digital platforms. Elderly people and those with chronic diseases should avoid gatherings,” he further added while urging the public to get their information from official credible sources and refrain from circulating rumours.
Procedures in the current national protocol may be amended according to the local and global health situation, Al Dhaheri stated while encouraging everyone to adhere to the precautionary measures and take the vaccine.
Ras Al Khaimah safety measures during Ramadan
Major General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ras Al Khaimah Police and Head of the Local Emergency Crisis and Disaster Team in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, has announced a set of precautionary measures during the Holy month of Ramadan.
Major General Al Nuaimi said that these decisions include restrictions on family or institutional Iftar tents and public gatherings for Iftar banquets, offering or distributing Iftar meals in front of restaurants, at assembly points, in front of homes and mosques or through vehicles and other means.
Those who wish to give Iftar meals should coordinate with the charitable organisations in the country, or by contracting with a restaurant, he added.
Munther bin Shukr Al Zaabi, Director-General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Department and a member of the Team, urged restaurant to ensure hygiene, safety and health of cookers and service providers and their commitment to wearing masks and gloves.
He added that it is strictly forbidden to distribute Iftar meals inside or in front of the restaurant, as also the distribution of Iftar meals. “Distribution of meals must be placed in boxes or bags and closed tightly,” he advised.
According to the decision, Iftar meals will be distributed only in labour complexes, through coordination between restaurants, the management of workers’ accommodation in the area.
Moreover, sales in restaurants are limited to regular meals to the public by following the precautionary measures, and not allowing gatherings before taking meals by the beneficiaries, as well as after taking meals. The two-metre social distancing norm must be followed between customers, all of whom should be wearing protective mask.
Al Zaabi stressed that if restaurants or benefactors do not adhere to these conditions, legal measures and violations will be imposed to preserve the security and safety of health and protect society from the risk of spread of the Covid-19.
Dubai officials meet sales outlets in preparation of Ramadan
Representatives from the Consumer Protection Department in Dubai Economy have met with major sales outlets management teams in the emirate to emphasise the importance of preparations ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The meetings focused on the importance of addressing consumer needs as well as ensuring that their complaints are dealt with professionally and with due regard to protecting consumer rights.
Dubai Economy reminded sales outlets about the importance of adhering to the general requirements of doing business in the emirate during the holy month, particularly the guidelines on displaying products and their prices. Sales outlets must ensure that prices paid by the consumer are consistent with the approved prices. The call centre number and other channels for consumers to communicate with the Consumer Protection Department in Dubai Economy in the event of any complaints, enquiries or remarks must be displayed prominently near the cash counters.
Dubai Economy also urged merchants to adhere to the requirements relating to prices, permits, and promotional offers as well as events. Details relating to such promotions, events and prices must be displayed clearly and legibly so that consumers can understand them easily.
Sales outlets were also directed to adhere to the stipulated number of employees, workers and visitors and the precautionary guidelines issued in light of Covid-19 in order to ensure public health and safety. Inspectors from Dubai Economic will continue to visit sales outlets to verify their compliance with precautionary measures and increase awareness of the same.
Ahmad Al Zaabi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department, emphasized that Dubai Economy seeks to maintain cordial relations between merchants and consumers with the goal of increasing consumer confidence and reaching the best solution in the event of a complaint or problem a consumer might face while shopping. Al Zaabi called on merchants and sales outlets to cooperate with consumers to find an amicable solution in the event of a complaint on a product or service without having to escalate the issue to Dubai Economy. The Consumer Protection Department is always ready to step forward and assist in case the merchant and consumer fail to reach a satisfactory solution, said Al Zaabi.
Dubai Economy is also following up with the sales outlets and ensuring that all necessary products are available for consumers in sufficient quantities, especially during Ramadan. Merchants and outlets have confirmed that they are well equipped to meet the expected consumer demand throughout the holy month.
