The UAE government has issued fresh guidelines on gatherings, prayers and also restricted use of public transport and malls for the Holy Month of Ramadan.

While there is no specific reopening date for malls and other commercial spaces yet, a set of guidelines has been announced for raising public awareness and ensuring that retail outlets are prepared once such an announcement is eventually made.

Ramadan Gatherings
According to the guidelines issued, gatherings for prayers are prohibited but group prayers among immediate household members are allowed but subject to the fact that they live in the same house (under the same roof)

Gatherings of more than 10 are strictly not allowed and citizens have also been strictly warned to avoid any close physical contact such as hugging or handshakes during Iftar or Suhoor gatherings. It has also been advised that food not be shared within family members living in different houses so as to minimise transmission risk.

The guidelines have also issued instructions on the donation of food, which says that no food should be donated or given directly to any person outside the household. However, mass donations under the direct supervision of authorised charity and government entities are allowed.

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Reopening of Malls & Retail Spaces
According to the guidelines, while the dates for the reopening of malls and retail spaces has not been specified, visitors will be allowed to shop for a maximum of three hours. According to a list of protocols issued in Dubai on Wednesday, malls and souqs will be open for 10 hours. Entertainment and tourist attractions will remain closed and there will be no entertainment activities, keeping in mind all social distancing protocols need to be followed. Parking will be limited with about 75 per cent of mall parking lots remaining closed and valet parking will also not be available. Strict hygiene protocols have to be followed with visitors being required to wear masks at all times and mall managements can deny entry to those who don’t.

Malls will have to ensure that the 2-metre social distancing measures are in place and are being followed in common areas, with occupancy restricted to 30 per cent. The same goes for dine-in outlets, which will have to reduce seating capacity to 30 per cent and make seating arrangements by placing tables 6 feet apart for all customers.

The number of people allowed into stores and eateries at one time will be displayed on red tags outside the outlets.

Public Transport Access
Metro services are aiming to restart next week in phases with the Metro Red Line trains running for a 12-hour period, from 7am to 7pm, across all stations except for restricted areas. This will be followed by Green Line metros, which will follow the same protocols. Safe social distancing will be ensured and restrictions will be implemented for it. Public buses are looking to resume operations in two to four weeks, according to the guidelines with the first phase aiming to reopen all bus lines for a 12-hour period. These guidelines apply to the reopening of metro, bus and taxi services. Water transport, car sharing, trams and limo services remain suspended till further notice.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Leave the house only for essential trips and wear a mask before leaving the house. 
• When outside the house, avoid touching any surfaces and immediately wash or sanitise hands after doing so. 
• Avoid touching face until hands are properly washed with soap and water. 
• Stick to set guidelines for family visits and one outdoor activity. 
• Elderly and high-risk individuals with chronic diseases are encouraged to stay home and avoid public places and transportation.