But the holy month has brought hope of better times to come.
Morning prayers on the first day of Ramadan at the Al Salam Mosque in Al Barsha, Dubai. All photos Antonie Robertson / The National
Mosques reopened this year with strict measures in place.
They closed last year at the height of the pandemic.
But this year imams are ready to welcome worshippers in a safe and controlled way.
Authorities have provided 1.5 million social distancing stickers to places of worship and sent out half a million bottles of sanitiser to keep people safe.
Taraweeh prayers - performed at night during Ramadan - will be allowed at mosques this year.
Religious lectures will be held online to prevent mass gatherings.
Iftar tents outside mosques will not be allowed.
But the holy month has brought hope of better times to come.
Morning prayers on the first day of Ramadan at the Al Salam Mosque in Al Barsha, Dubai. All photos Antonie Robertson / The National
Mosques reopened this year with strict measures in place.
They closed last year at the height of the pandemic.
But this year imams are ready to welcome worshippers in a safe and controlled way.
Authorities have provided 1.5 million social distancing stickers to places of worship and sent out half a million bottles of sanitiser to keep people safe.
Taraweeh prayers - performed at night during Ramadan - will be allowed at mosques this year.
Religious lectures will be held online to prevent mass gatherings.
Iftar tents outside mosques will not be allowed.
But the holy month has brought hope of better times to come.
