Social and cultural associations in Abu Dhabi have been given the green light to resume activities, according to a notification from the Ministry of Community Development (MoCD).

From March, all association events and activities had been stopped to contain the spread of the virus.

According to the notification, the groups have been asked to comply with precautionary measures and directives issued by the local authorities. The ministry said it had no objection to the reopening of social centres, provided that all safety rules are followed.

After nearly six months of closure, associations like the India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) have resumed their operations. Currently, the centre is open only to its members and no public activities will be conducted, said Yogish Prabhu, president of ISC.

"We received the no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Community Development," Prabhu confirmed.

The ISC has restarted sports activities like badminton, squash, table tennis, tennis, snooker and gymnasium. However, a restriction was imposed on the number of players who can be present on the court at a time. Specific time slots are also set and no common drinking water facility was set up in the area. Members are expected to behave responsibly and sanitise their sports gear before use.

Popular festive celebrations will still be held virtually, the centre said. A common Eid-Onam celebration with musical events will be streamed live on the group's official page today.

Other associations in Abu Dhabi are also gearing up for the resumption of activities.