Pope in UAE: Rules to be followed at Papal Mass venue

Free transportation will be provided to the nearly 120,000 faithful who will attend the Papal Mass at the Zayed Sports City on Tuesday, February 5.

The Government of Abu Dhabi will organise free pick up from designated 'Access Hubs' across the UAE and the physically challenged, old and pregnant will be given special consideration, the Papal visit 2019 organisers have announced.

Also, umbrellas, flags, banners and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the venue, the Department of Communication for the UAE Papal visit 2019 has announced on their official website uaepapalvisit.org.
The three-day historic visit of Pope Francis - the first-ever by a Pope to the GCC region - will commence on February 3. An estimated one million Catholics in the UAE are eagerly awaiting the visit of their religious head while only 120,000 will be able to attend the Holy Mass due to space constraints at the Sports City.
The papal visit website said faithful attending the Papal Mass will receive one 'Entry Ticket' and one 'Transport Ticket.' Access will be denied without the two tickets.
"The transport ticket will have the Access Hub location and departure time. Faithful should choose their Access Hub at the time of collection of tickets. The locations available for each parish will be announced shortly."
People should choose their designated Access Hub and arrange their own transportation to reach the spot. The organisers have also advised the attendees to "arrive at the Access Hub early to guarantee a seat on the buses."
Those who prefer to dive on their own should select a Transport Ticket for Yas Gateway Access Hub located on Yas Island where parking arrangements are made. And shuttle buses will transport people to the venue.
Timings will be indicated on the Transport Ticket.
No private vehicles will be allowed to enter into Abu Dhabi Island on the February 5, 2019, according to the website.

"Faithful from the Abu Dhabi who prefers to walk to the venue, may do so. But please follow the police guidance. Advisable to carry Emirates ID along with your tickets." the website said.

Those who plan to travel to Abu Dhabi / Dubai on or before 4 February and use the Abu Dhabi or Dubai Access Hubs, should have valid Transport Ticket for the Access Hub they wish to use.

Things to know if you are attending the Papal Mass
1. There will be soft check at the Access Hub and only those with a valid Transport Ticket and Entry Ticket will be allowed onto the bus without exception.
2. Children above two years should have valid tickets for security reasons.
3. Food and beverages will be allowed on the bus. No food or beverages will be allowed inside the venue. Free water will be available inside the venue. Patients and children may carry essential medicine and food subject to security clearance.
4. Faithful are requested to follow the sign boards directing them to their allocated area as mentioned on their ticket. They should be prepared to walk up to 3km from the drop off point to the venue.
5. Attendees should be prepared to spend approximately of 5 hours in the venue. Pre and post programmes are being arranged. Food will be available for sale after the Mass in the venue.
6. International participants choosing to use the transportation system should collect Transport Tickets from Dubai or Abu Dhabi parishes when they collect their Entry Ticket.
7. All the faithful should remain quiet during the Mass. They shall carefully listen to the Exit plan at the venue by following announcements made.
8. Umbrellas, flags, banners and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the venue.
9. Folding chairs or stools are permitted for the outside venue.

• Abu Dhabi

Anjana Sankar

anjana@khaleejtimes.com