Vaccine a responsibility: Together we triumph
Staff Report/Dubai
Photo: Shihab
How do we fight the pandemic? How do we make everyone’s life safe and secure? Why should we take the jab? Listen to what our vaccine ambassadors have to say
Why sit on the sidelines when one of the world’s fastest vaccination campaigns is gathering pace in the UAE? With more than two million people already vaccinated, and close to 100,000 jabs given daily, the country plans to protect 50 per cent of its population by March. Herd immunity is close at hand and it is our responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe by taking the jab, just like the men and women featured on this page who have got their shot in the arm. Experts say the vaccination drive will put the UAE on an early road to recovery from the pandemic that has devastated millions of lives and livelihoods. The Great Disruption of the modern era must end, and science has provided us with a solution in record time. The speed of this in
Keep Christmas festivities in UAE low-key, be prudent: Religious leaders dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com Filed on December 19, 2020
Photo by Ryan Lim/Khaleej Times
Churches in Sharjah have been given permission to organise Christmas masses under strict social distancing protocols this year.
Though most UAE residents are keen on celebrating the Christmas season, religious leaders have reminded that merriments must remain low-key and Covid-safe.
While churches in Sharjah have been given permission to organise Christmas masses under strict social distancing protocols this year, those in Dubai await a final decision on the matter from local authorities.
Fr Lennie JA Conully, parish priest of the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai, urged the faithful to make safety a priority. “Celebrations can be done next year…life is more important,” he said.
Christmas masses in Sharjah
Fr Joji Miriam from the St Gregorios Orthodox Church told Khaleej Times: “In Sharjah, our Christmas mass will be organised from 6pm to 10.30pm on December 24. Those wishing to participate should pre-register online.”
In the UAE, there are many beautiful Mosques! but also beautiful Churches!
(Al Noor Mosque / Orthodox Church)
The church will accept only 160 worshippers to attend mass this year. “Last year, we had about 5,000 people attending the Christmas mass,” he added.
All other festivities, like carolling, will not be taking place this year. “Regular mass is currently being organised at 50 per cent capacity. All worshippers have to wear masks and maintain a two-metre distance. Also, only people in the age group of 12-60 can come to the church.”
Christmas in UAE: Churches announce mass timings
Photo by Ryan Lim/Khaleej Times
All other festivities, like carolling, will not be taking place this year.
Though most UAE residents are keen on celebrating the Christmas season, religious leaders have reminded that merriments must remain low-key and Covid-safe.
While churches in Sharjah have been given permission to organise Christmas masses under strict social distancing protocols this year, churches in Dubai await a final decision on the matter from local authorities.
Fr Lennie JA Conully, parish priest of the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai, urged the faithful to make safety a priority. “Celebrations can be done next year…life is more important,” he said.