Sharjah to reopen wedding, event halls from November 1

Sharjah - Those wishing to hold celebrations or parties at home and in halls or tents need to take permission from the district council, a Sharjah government official said.

Wedding venues and event halls in Sharjah will reopen from November 1 with strict anti-Covid measures in place. Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have already allowed resumption of socially distanced celebrations and social events in commercial facilities, hotels and homes.

Those wishing to hold celebrations or parties at home and in halls or tents need to take permission from the district council, a Sharjah government official said.

The emergency crisis and disaster management teams (ECDMT) in Sharjah have issued special anti-Covid guidelines to conduct parties and celebrations in halls, either by families, official entities or companies. The management of all these facilities have been given a set of guidelines and sensitised them about their adherence.

The guidelines spell out a series of checks, precautionary requirements and preventive measures that ensure the safety and health of all participants at such events.

The managements of the halls must inform those wishing to organise celebrations about these precautionary steps and issue instructions to follow the guidelines.

To hold a social event at home, approval is required from the nearest suburban council. “Without obtaining such permission, no event will be allowed and the violator will face hefty fines to be determined by the ECDMT,” the official underlined.

He stressed that the authorities will intensify monitoring of these establishments to ensure the anti-Covid measures are not flouted. “Appropriate action will be taken against non-compliant entities.”

‘The move will cut costs’

Many residents believed that the move to reopen wedding venues and event halls will contribute to reducing costs and expenses, as limited number of guests will to be allowed at the functions.

Salim Humaid Al Kutbi, who delayed his wedding celebrations “several times” due to the pandemic, said that he had planned to invite 500 guests, but only 50 people are allowed. “This means the celebration will be restricted to very close members of the couple’s families. Food, beverages and other stuff offered during the ceremony will be drastically reduced which will ensure huge savings.”

Salma Al Aleem, another Sharjah resident, said that she is planning to reduce the number of the invitees at her party, which will cut down the costs.

Another groom from Al Dhaid said he has opted to hold the wedding celebrations in two tents, instead of a wedding hall. “Since the number of invites will be limited to close friends, relatives and family members, it is better to hold the ceremony in two tents.”

Those associated with hotels and halls have expressed joy over the resumption of celebratory activities. They said the move will go a long way in putting their business back on track after it was suspended for months due to the pandemic.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah