Some churches, gurudwara await reopening in UAE

Churches said they will reopen only after operating policies and procedures are finalised.

Some churches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai remained closed on Wednesday, as mosques across the country reopened after a 107-day closure amid Covid-19.
In a statement, churches said they will reopen only after operating policies and procedures are finalised and necessary safety mechanisms are approved by concerned local authorities.
"We welcome the announcement of the UAE Government that places of worship will be allowed to open from July 1. We now await specific instructions and guidelines from the Department of Community Development, who are working with the places of worship to adopt best practices and policies which will help to ensure the safety of us all," St Joseph's Cathedral said. The mass services were held online by priests on Wednesday.
"Our priority remains to ensure a safe environment for our faithful. Following the reception of the said guidelines and depending on the essential safety restrictions, we will be releasing instructions on the opening hours of our churches and the nature of the prayer services which are permitted."
Similar messages were shared by St George Orthodox Cathedral, St Paul's Church in Mussafah and others.
Churches requested faithful to await for further updates through website and social media platforms.?A gurudwara in Dubai, Gurudwara Sahib, announced that it will reopen on July 4. It will be welcoming worshippers from 9am to 9.30am and 6pm to 6.30pm, from Saturday to Thursday. This will be only for walk-through darshan.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com