The United Arab Emirates will implement new precaution measures during the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan – which will start on April 13 – is usually celebrated with large gatherings, group prayers at mosques, and several other communal activities.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention said that during the month, everyone must avoid family gatherings and food exchanges with people who are not members of the same household.

“For the health and safety of society, we advise all to avoid evening gatherings during Ramadan, limit family visits, and avoid distributing and exchanging meals between homes and families. Only members of the same family living in the same house can share meals,” the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said.

Collective Iftar tents, and meals in front of mosques or other public places are strictly prohibited, and restaurants will not be allowed to distribute meals, NCEMA added.

Meals can be distributed only in labor accommodations. However, those who want to donate meals to workers must reach out to the management of the accommodation and a restaurant to distribute meal packets.

Taraweeh prayers, which are the additional ritual prayers performed by Muslims at night after the Isha prayer during the holy month of Ramadan, will only be allowed under strict guidelines. Isha and Taraweeh prayers will be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes, NCEMA said.

“Mosques will be closed immediately after the prayer, while women’s prayer areas, other facilities, and external roads praying areas will remain closed.”

The UAE urged everyone to adhere to the new measures and instructions, adding that officials will conduct intensive inspection campaigns during Ramadan, and legal measures will be taken against all violators, whether individuals or institutions.