Authorities have been urging residents not to take public health measures lightly in order to help them flatten the curve in the UAE.
Published: Sat 23 May 2020, 12:48 PM
Last updated: Sun 24 May 2020, 7:57 PM
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced a list of 33 digital applications in the UAE to help residents take an important Eid tradition online - while staying safe.
Eidi refers to the cash gifts given to younger members of the family by parents or close relatives to mark the occasion.
However, as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19, residents have been advised to go digital this year and use electronic means to celebrate the holiday instead.
A list of 23 digital banking applications and 10 electronic wallets options through which Eidi can be transferred was published on the TRA's website.
The encouragement towards electronic means comes due to studies that indicate infections may be transferrable via exchange of banknotes, although the UAE Central Bank confirmed no major risk is posed.
Nevertheless, authorities have been urging residents not to take public health measures lightly in order to help them flatten the curve in the UAE.
UAE government spokesperson Amna Al Shamsi earlier advised residents to celebrate Eid virtually and avoid visiting families or holding gatherings. "Avoid giving Eidi to kids," she said. "Not even the money from ATMs. Use electronic means instead."
Earlier this month, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Municipality also recommended that customers avoid using banknotes when shopping and use credit or debit cards as an alternative form of payment instead.
They were encouraged to sanitise and disinfect bank notes as a safety precaution to limit any potential spread, while banks were directed to replenish ATM machines with new notes.