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Worshippers of all ages are allowed to attend services in Abu Dhabi, with non-Muslim places of worship limited at 30 per cent capacity
31 August 2020
| Last updated on 2 September 2020
Only main prayers are permitted for now
As of 31st August, 2020 all non-Muslim places of worship in Abu Dhabi will reopen to churchgoers both young and old. To help limit the spread of Covid-19 during services, strict safety measures have been out in place.
Churches are allowed to reopen with a maximum 30 per cent capacity of their usual intake. Worshippers are required to wear face masks and keep a two-metre physical distance from each other.
Services can go for up to one hour, and only main prayers are currently permitted. All other religious activities and events within these premises are prohibited until further notice.
All ages are allowed to attend church service, however those who suffer from chronic diseases are not allowed to visit places of worship.
"In response to the places of worship requests and in respect of their religion, it was also decided to allow children to enter the places of worship to practice their religious rituals in a manner that does not conflict with the procedures and laws,” said Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, the Executive Director of Community Engagement and Sport in the Department of Community Development.
"Elderly worshipers who do not suffer from any chronic diseases are also allowed to enter according to the procedures that have been set," he added.
Churchgoers will find that most places of worship have removed their public prayer books, restricted the number of worshippers to 2-3 people per pew, and removed water from stoups.
In other churches in Abu Dhabi, the faithful must register online to secure a spot during service.
Recorded music has mostly taken over for the usual church choir, with some permitting a few singers to perform during mass.
At the time of publishing, UAE authorities recorded 362 new Covid-19 cases, 398 recoveries, and three deaths, bringing the country's total to 69,690.
