UAE Ramadan 2021: Taraweeh prayers to resume; Covid rules announced

Taraweeh prayers - the special prayers offered during the holy month of Ramadan - can be hosted in mosques across the country, it was announced on Tuesday.

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The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said strict Covid safety protocols will be in place at mosques.

The maximum duration of the prayers (Taraweeh and Isha that precedes it) has been capped at 30 minutes. Mosques will be closed immediately after the prayer.

Women's prayer halls will remain closed.

Religious lessons suspended

Religious lessons and meetings in mosques will remain suspended, with the option of virtual participation.

Qiyam-ul-Layl

The authorities will update the public about the special prayers offered past midnight on the last 10 days of Ramadan. This will be done after assessing the status of the pandemic in the country.

The holy month will begin in less than a month.

Mosques were first closed in March last year as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19. They had reopened for the five daily prayers in July, but Friday prayers remained suspended. The Friday prayers resumed on December 4.