Kids, elderly allowed as all non-Muslim places of worship reopen in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - A new manual of procedures has been provided to all places of worship.

All places of worship for non-Muslims will be reopened from Monday at 30 per cent capacity, local authorities said on Sunday.

"In response to requests, it was decided to allow children to enter the places of worship to practise their religious rituals ... The elderly worshippers who do not suffer from any chronic diseases are also allowed to enter," said Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Sport sector at the Department of Community Development.

He said a new manual of procedures has been provided to all places of worship. Only the main prayers will allowed and all other activities remain suspended.

Prayer times have been reduced to a maximum of one hour, while worshippers will need to maintain a two-metre distance.

Till date, a few churches in Abu Dhabi like St Joseph's Cathedral and St George Orthodox Church had reopened, with the faithful going to the places of worship after online registrations.

• Abu Dhabi