Dubai: Over the past few days, the UAE’s authorities have announced updated protocols and rules for commercial and social activities, to curb the spread of COVID-19. Depending on the emirate you are in, you need to be aware of the maximum number of people allowed at social gatherings, restaurants or cinemas.
Along with the capacity limits announced, authorities urged residents to always adhere to basic COVID-19 precautions like wearing a mask at all times when outdoors and maintaining a social distance of at least two metres. Residents were also informed that authorities would monitor strict adherence to these protocols, to ensure community health and safety.
Here is a comprehensive look at all the announcements that have been made so far.
Dubai
These are the updated COVID-19 rules that have been announced in Dubai.
Travel protocols updated
Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced updates to travel protocols effective from January 31.
UAE citizens will be required to do a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test only on arrival in Dubai, regardless of the country they are coming from.
UAE residents, GCC citizens, and visitors travelling to Dubai will need to do a pre-travel PCR test, irrespective of the country they are coming from.
Arrivals from some countries – based on the COVID-19 situation – may be required to undergo an additional test on landing in Dubai.
How long is the pre-travel PCR test valid for?
The validity period of PCR tests has been reduced from 96 hours to 72 hours. So, depending on your itinerary, you will need to get a PCR test done within three days of your expected time of departure.
Departures – protocols for travellers departing from Dubai
A Rapid PCR or Rapid Antigen test will be available at the airport to travelers departing from Dubai if their destination country requires it.
FINES YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF
The list of fines, issued by the UAE Attorney-General Decision No. 38 of 2020 and amended by Decision No. 58 of 2020, includes the following violations:
Not wearing a medical face mask, fabric mask, or veil when visiting an indoor public place, shopping mall and in public transport. Fine: Dh3,000.
Violations of restrictions of gatherings, meetings and private and public celebrations in public places, private farms or homes. Fine: Dh10,000 for those who invite or organise gatherings. Dh5,000 for each of the participants.
Also Read: AED TO PKR: Today 1 UAE Dirham To PKR (Pakistan Rupee), 10 Feb 2021
Eating out
Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced a decision to increase the distance between tables at restaurants and cafes from two metres to three metres.
Maximum number of people allowed
The number of people allowed to sit at one table has also been reduced from 10 to seven at restaurants and to four at cafés, including shisha cafés.
