Day: April 27, 2022

ABU DHABI, Dr. Taher Al Ameri, Official Spokesman of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), has announced the protocol for Eid al-Fitr, which covers prayers in the country’s mosques, along with precautionary measures to be implemented during this period.

Dr. Al Ameri said the protocol stipulates the need to put up physical distancing stickers across the outdoor spaces surrounding mosques, along with the possibility of using parks and parking lots.

He noted that, as per the protocol, mosques and prayer halls will open for the Eid al-Fitr prayers after the dawn prayers on Eid days, with speakers scheduled to announce the Eid takbeers half an hour before the Eid prayers begin.

According to the protocol, the combined duration of prayers and Khutba (sermon) is set to 20 minutes, while the entry and exit of worshipers will be supervised by police patrols, volunteers and imams, to prevent overcrowding and maintain order.

Worshippers must wear face masks at all times, maintain a physical distance of one metre and use personal or single-use worship mats, Dr. Al Ameri explained, noting that people are advised to avoid gatherings, handshakes and physical greetings, and opt for verbal greetings while maintaining physical distancing.

“The protocol includes several conditions related to Eid al-Fitr celebrations, including the need to have an active green pass on the Al Hosn app and adhering to relevant precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks and practicing physical distancing, especially when sitting with vulnerable society segments, such as people of determination, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.”

“We urge the public to use electronic alternatives to distribute cash bonuses and gifts, and limit celebrations to immediate family members and relatives, as well as avoid physical greetings,” Dr.

Al Ameri said.

Dr. Al Ameri congratulated the UAE’s leadership and people, as well as other Arab and Islamic countries, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, stressing that the UAE, thanks to its wise leadership and its concerted national efforts, has contained the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic through adopting a set of measures, including widespread testing, contact tracing, and utilising the latest treatment protocols.

“The country is continuing to see a decline in COVID-19 cases, which is mainly due to the significant efforts of various authorities, led by the health sector. The UAE has made major strides in terms of recovery and return to normalcy, which can only be maintained through the public’s adherence [to preventive measures],” he stated.

Relevant national sectors are continuing to monitor and assess local and international developments of the pandemic, in order to support decisions and achieve sustainable recovery, he said, noting that the country is continuing to update its protocols to protect the community’s safety and security, and achieve balance across all sectors.

He also highlighted the importance of the community’s adherence to the guidelines issued by health and other authorities, as well as to the precautionary measures, urging the public to cooperate in order to ensure getting through Eid al-Fitr celebrations safely.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced the conclusion of the ‘1 Billion Meals’ initiative successfully by achieving its goal in providing one billion meals to the disadvantaged and vulnerable in 50 countries.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the initiative reflects the values of the UAE and its people in supporting every individual in need, highlighting the collection of 600 million meals and thanking the contributors on their donations especially for children, refugees, displaced people and those affected by disasters and crises worldwide.

In a tweet on his official twitter account, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid revealed his donation of 400 million meals for the initiative. “Today we conclude the ‘1 Billion Meals’ initiative by collecting 600 million meals in less than one month. Thanks to institutions, companies, businessmen and 320,000 individuals who contributed. Today, we announce a personal support of 400 million meals for the initiative to complete the 1 billion meals during this holy month of Ramadan.”

Sheikh Mohammed added, “The 1 Billion Meals initiative reflects the values of the UAE.. Our people are benevolent, our society is generous, and we are keen to show solidarity with our fellow human beings facing hardships wherever they are.. Thanks to everyone who participated in the largest humanitarian initiative to provide food support for needy people in 50 countries.”

Donations have flooded in from 320,868 benefactors through the initiative’s various donation channels, which include website, bank transfer, SMS and call center.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) collaborated with several partners on a series of remarkable events that have enabled the initiative to achieve this significant milestone in record time. These have included the “Most Noble Numbers” charity auctions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the “Giving Challenge”, and the “1 Million Saved Meals Campaign”.

The initiative’s overall goal was achieved through broad community engagement at various levels with individuals’ and companies’ donations, moral support through digital platforms and social media, and the commencement of early distributions of food aid in 13 countries.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of MBRGI, confirmed that achieving the goal of the initiative in less than one month after its launch strengthens the UAE’s position as a global capital for charity and humanitarian work regardless of race, colour, gender, or religious belief.

Al Gergawi said, “The 1 Billion Meals initiative’s record results has exceeded expectations and confirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the guidance and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, continues to advance its humanitarian mission globally. The initiative also underlines the UAE’s status as an effective contributor to international efforts to address and overcome humanitarian challenges.”

He added that the initiative is a continuation of the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had established a unique approach and method in promoting aspects of charity and humanitarian work.

The initiative of feeding the undernourished and underprivileged, which coincided with the Holy Month of Ramadan every year, evolved from 10 Million Meals two years ago to 100 Million Meals last year, until it expanded to become 1 Billion Meals this year, amidst a record turnout for contributions from philanthropists and benefactors.”

The Most Noble Numbers charity auction for special numbers in Dubai achieved AED53 million. However, the Most Noble Numbers charity auctions in Abu Dhabi, organised in person and online, achieved AED111 million. Proceeds from the whole series went to support the 1 Billion Meals initiative.

In just two weeks, the 1 Million Saved Meals Campaign, organised by the UAE Food Bank to support the 1 Billion Meals initiative, exceeded its goal, collecting more than one million meals in cooperation with its partners from hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in the country.

The Giving Challenge contributed by raising awareness of the 1 Billion Meals initiative and increasing donations through a digital portfolio of self-initiated mini-campaigns created by participating government entities, private companies, schools and educational institutions.

Source: Emirates News Agency