New rules for home gatherings, parties

The UAE has updated the guidelines for holding parties, weddings, memorial services and other gatherings at home.

The capacity of such gatherings must not exceed 80 per cent, with the total number of attendees capped at 60.

All attendees must also have completed 14 days after receiving their vaccinations and must present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours before the event.

A maximum of 10 people will be allowed to sit around the same table.

The revised guidelines were announced during the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority's (NCEMA) COVID-19 media briefing on Tuesday.

NCEMA's spokesperson Dr. Taher Al Ameri said a social distance of at least 1.5 metres must be maintained at all times and attendees must avoid greeting each other with handshakes or hugs.

He also urged those suffering from respiratory illnesses or fever to avoid such events.

#NCEMA: To advance our gradual return to a new normalcy, we are announcing an updated protocol on gatherings, weddings and funerals held at homes.#TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/NHauo5RP3b

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) October 19, 2021