Abu Dhabi has cancelled all permits for Ramadan tents. The tents used to distribute iftar meals have been banned in order to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport issued a statement that the move was in line with The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority. The safety protocols have been put in place to protect the public’s health.

The tents are traditionally a way for people to come together and break their fast during Ramadan but have been banned in other areas of the UAE including Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman. In-person activities have also been canceled in other emirates.

Ramadan begins on April 12, depending on the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee. This is the second Ramadan to take place during the Covid-19 pandemic and with restrictions that prevent gatherings. Mosques are closed immediately after prayers and religious meetings in the mosques are canceled.

The latest Ramadan rules prohibit restaurants from distributing charitable iftar meals inside or in front of their premises. The delivery of meals is allowed to labor housing complexes via direct coordination with the management of labor housing in each region, taking social distancing into account.

The public has also been warned that it should not create or build iftar tents. Those interested in sharing meals in public places must coordinate with charities, while donations and zakat must be done electronically.

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