The horns that have blared at World Cup matches in South Africa make an unholy racket - according to a religious edict in the United Arab Emirates.

A fatwa by the UAE's General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments declares that the now-famous blast from the plastic vuvuzela is not permitted in the Gulf country if it exceeds 100 decibels - about the sound of a passing train.

It says the typical vuvuzela blast is up to 127 decibels.

Open gallery view A resident blows a vuvuzela horn during World Cup party in Cape Town, June 10, 2010. Credit: Reuters

The National newspaper in Abu Dhabi reported on Friday that the ruling came after thousands of vuvuzelas were imported to the UAE for World Cup fans. The horns could later appear at local soccer matches.

The fatwa is based on the judgment that the din can damage fans' hearing.