Over 766 mosques in Dubai to reopen this weekend

Over 766 mosques in Dubai will be reopened to Friday prayers starting this weekend, officials announced on Monday.

According to the directives by The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management, Friday prayers will resume in the UAE from December 4.

Dr Hamad Al Shaikh Ahmad Al Shaibani, Director-General, The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai said, “The suspension of Friday prayers and sermons has been lifted for 766 mosques in Dubai, and due to the current circumstances, temporary mosques have been added, including 60 mosques, to accommodate all worshippers, residents and visitors of Dubai.”

In coordination with the Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, IACAD has cooperated with volunteers in every mosque to regulate the entry and exit for worshippers.

For the Friday prayers, the number of worshippers permitted to attend will be reduced to 30 per cent of the capacity, with prayers allowed in the outer courtyards and broadcast over loudspeakers. The duration of the Friday sermon will not exceed 10 minutes; all those attending must wear a face mask as well as bring their own prayer rug, which must not be left in the mosque or shared with anyone else.

IACAD stressed the need to follow the instructions for Friday prayers, which include preventing the distribution of food and water.