COVID-19 Measures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

COVID-19 Measures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The Dubai Supreme Committee on Crisis and Disaster Management (the Dubai Committee) and the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for the COVID-19 Pandemic have adopted new steps to curtail the' second wave' of COVID-19 incidents (the Abu Dhabi Committee).

The Dubai Committee declared on 1 February that all pubs and bars in Dubai would close, starting the next day and for the remainder of the month of February, while restaurants and cafes must close by 1:00 a.m. At 70 percent capacity, shopping centers, hotels, private beaches in hotels and swimming pools may operate. At a maximum capacity of 50 percent, theatres, other indoor arenas and sports venues may run. Entertainment events are no longer allowed in restaurants and shops.

By contacting the Dubai Police or using the Dubai Police App, the Dubai Committee has encouraged the public to disclose breaches. Recent convictions for breaches, including the imposition of fines, have been published.

The Abu Dhabi Committee declared on 7 February that, with effect from the same day and until further notice, parties and meetings are banned and theatres are closed. A marriage ceremony or a family meeting may be attended by no more than 10 people, and a funeral or mourning service may be attended by no more than 20.

Malls are restricted to 40 percent capacity, and 50 percent capacity is reserved to gyms, private beaches and swimming pools. At 60 percent capacity, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, public beaches and parks may function. At 45 percent and 75 percent capacity, respectively, taxis and buses can take passengers and operate.

New guidelines on entry into the Emirate of Abu Dhabi have also been declared by the Abu Dhabi Council, effective 1 February. Instead of 48 hours, any person entering Abu Dhabi from another Emirate must enter Abu Dhabi within 24 hours of taking the DPI test (Diffractive Phase Interferometry). It is not possible to use the same DPI test results for two consecutive entries in Abu Dhabi. Those who have entered Abu Dhabi on the basis of a DPI test and are planning to remain longer than 48 hours are expected to take a PCR test on the 3rd day after entry and a further PCR test on the 7th day. The validity of the outcome of the PCR test to reach Abu Dhabi continues to be 48 hours; however, it is appropriate to do another PCR test on the 4th day and on the 8th day after admission. The day of admission to Abu Dhabi is deemed to be day 1. These criteria are not applicable to clinical trial participants or to people who have been vaccinated.

In addition, all employers in Abu Dhabi have been directed to enable their unvaccinated workers to perform a PCR test at least once a week.

Moreover, the 'green list' of countries for travelers arriving by air has been revised by Abu Dhabi. As of 7 February 2021, the current 'green list' is:

1. • Australia
2. • Bhutan
3. • Brunei
4. • China
5. • Greenland
6. • Hong Kong
7. • Iceland
8. • Mauritius
9. • Mongolia
10. • New Zealand
11. • Saudi-Arabia
12. • Singapore

Individuals traveling from these countries are not mandated to be quarantined upon entry; however, on arrival they must conduct a PCR test and conduct another PCR test on day 6 after arrival. Individuals entering from other countries must be under quarantine for 10 days after entry and must also undergo a PCR exam on arrival and again on day 8 after arrival.

Finally, Ministerial Resolution 21 of 2021, adopted by the Federal Minister of Health and Prevention and effective on 7 February 2021, ensures that all ministry centers will be provided with PCR testing free of charge. The law extends to all UAE residents and to all UAE visa holders.