Amidst the rising COVID-19 cases in the UAE, Dubai announced on Monday evening stricter protocols would be put in place up until February 28.
Prior to this, new travel updates were put in place for passengers arriving into Dubai.
With that, here’s your complete guide to all of the current COVID-19 protocols in place in Dubai.
Dubai travel
It was announced last week by the Dubai Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management via the Dubai Media Office that the new updates would come into effect on Sunday, January 31.
Firstly, all UAE citizens must do a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Dubai no matter which country they have travelled from.
Meanwhile, all UAE residents, GCC citizens and visitors will now be required to undergo a pre-travel COVID-19 PCR test regardless of where they are travelling from and the validity time of tests is now 72 hours, reduced from 96 hours.
It was also stated, “Arrivals from some countries (based on the COVID-19 situation there) may be required to undergo an additional test when landing in Dubai.”
Malls
Malls can only operate at a maximum of 70 per cent capacity.
Restaurants
Live entertainment in venues was suspended a couple of weeks ago and now restaurants and cafes are required to close by 1am.
Pubs and bars
All pubs and bars are to remain closed.
Hotels
Hotels are to operate at 70 per cent capacity, with new bookings to comply with the capacity limit. Meanwhile, swimming pools and private beaches in hotels to be limited to a 70 per cent capacity.
Seated indoor venues
Indoor seated venues including cinemas, entertainment venues and sports venues can now only operate at 50 per cent. a 50% reduction in the capacity of indoor seated venues including cinemas and entertainment and sports venues,
Tougher penalties
As per the new laws imposed, there will be tougher penalties for deliberately disregarding preventive measures, while the public is encouraged to report violations by individuals or establishments through Dubai Police’s Call Centre 901 or its ‘Police Eye’ service through Dubai Police Smart App.
