Coronavirus in UAE: Emirati man accepts condolences for late dad via phone, social media

Funeral attendance restricted to family, kin

It was sad but wise when an Emirati man, in an emotional 55-second video, while announcing the death of his father declared that condolences would only be accepted via phone calls, SMSes, and social media to prevent any social gathering that could spread coronavirus.    

 

 

 

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Only the family and relatives of the late Emirati national, Ahmad Ali bin Shamil Al Kaabi, took part in the funeral function held in Al Ain city on Friday, March 20, afternoon.
No one, including friends and neighbours, was invited to the funeral in line with the precautionary measures announced by the country to limit the risk of coronavirus infection and transmission.
One of the late Kaabi's sons posted a video on social media, which has gone viral. In the video, the son said: "To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return; this is to announce the sad demise of my father Hamad Ali Shamil Al Kaabi; may his soul rest in peace.
"Only the family members and relatives took part in the funeral prayer and burial function in compliance with the leadership's directives to stop any such gatherings due to the current health safety challenges." He added that public health and people's safety is a priority right now.
"We do apologise for not being able to receive mourners," he said. "Condolences are only accepted via phone calls, SMSes, and social media."
Abdullah Al Mazroui, in-charge of UAE funeral service, said he has supervised many funeral functions recently.
"In each and every case, I advised the family and relatives of the departed about the UAE government directives on limited attendance at funeral functions in the cemetery, excluding the family and relatives."
Condolence tents are also banned as per the same directives for people's safety and health.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE