ABU DHABI 31 January 2021: The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has updated procedures to enter Abu Dhabi from within the country, effective from Monday, 1st February. The decision is part of the proactive efforts to enhance precautionary measures to contain and eliminate the spread of Covid-19.
The procedures continue to allow entry into the emirate within 48 hours of receiving a negative PCR test result. Those remaining in the emirate for four days or more, must take a PCR test on day four of entry, and to take another PCR test on day eight of entry for those staying for eight days or more.
The updated procedures allow entry into the emirate with a negative DPI test result but within 24 hours instead of 48 hours. DPI tests cannot be used to enter Abu Dhabi two consecutive times, which could be proven using Alhosn app. Those entering Abu Dhabi using a DPI test and staying in the emirate for more than 48 hours, must take a PCR test on day three of entry, and take another PCR test on day seven of entry for those staying for seven days or more, said Wam.
The procedures apply to all UAE citizens and residents, including Abu Dhabi residents, except for volunteers in Phase III vaccine clinical trials and those who are vaccinated as part of national vaccination programmes who have active icons (gold star or letter E) on Alhosn app, who should adhere to their respective protocols.
Those who do not take the required tests are liable for fines.
Dubai updates to travel protocols for inbound passengers
The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai, headed by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, today announced updates to Dubai’s travel protocols for inbound passengers, effective from Sunday, 31 January.
The updates are part of the Committee’s keenness to protect passengers and ease hassles for them without compromising on Covid-19 precautionary measures put in place to safeguard everyone’s health and wellbeing.
As part of the revised protocols, UAE residents, GCC citizens and visitors are required to do a PCR test prior to departure for Dubai irrespective of the country they are coming from.
The committee has also mandated that arrivals from certain countries (based on the pandemic situation in those countries) require an additional test on arrival in Dubai.
Protocols will remain the same for UAE citizens returning to the country from overseas, which exempt them from undergoing a PCR test prior to departure, regardless of the country they are coming from. They will only be required to conduct a PCR test on arrival in Dubai.
The committee has also decided to reduce the validity period of PCR tests from 96 hours to 72 hours.
The committee has directed Dubai Airports Company to provide Rapid PCR or Rapid Antigen testing at Dubai airports, in cooperation with relevant authorities, to facilitate travel procedures for passengers departing from Dubai to countries that require this type of pre-travel test, in accordance with the time-frame specified.
Regular revision of protocols The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said the updated travel protocols are part of a regular process of revising and optimising precautionary measures based on the latest local, regional and international developments. They are also aimed at enabling the city to continue serving as a global commercial hub and a bridge for travel and trade between the east and west.
PCR tests mandatory for RAK government employees every 7 days
The Ras Al Kahimah Government’s Human Resources Department has issued Circular No. 3 stating that all government employees must undergo a PCR Covid-19 test at their own expense every seven days effective February 7 and until further notice. The decision is subject to change based on the latest ovid-19 developments and relevant government decisions.
Those who are exempt from this rule include employees who have taken both the doses of the vaccine and also those who provide a medical report exempting them from taking the vaccine due to an illness or a health condition; the latter will undergo PCR tests at the government’s expense every seven days.
Outsourced and contracted public services companies must conduct a PCR test every three days for their representatives who have not received both doses of the vaccine before reporting to any RAK government premises.
Government employers shall, for a maximum of one month, bear the costs of testing conducted at medical centres affiliated to the Ministry of Health and Prevention for the employees who have not yet been vaccinated due to the priority order set by the National Vaccination Programme.
The development goes in line with the UAE government’s efforts to curb the virus, mitigate its fallout and ensure public health and safety.
Saudi Arabia postpones date for lifting travel restrictions to May 17
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Interior postponed the date for lifting the travel suspension for its citizens and opening all land, sea and air outlets, in full, to May 17, 2021 instead of March 31st.
The Saudi Press Agency said the announcement is based on the Minister of Health’s statement that the Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers were late in delivering contracted batches on the specific times due to the importance of reaching high community immunity rates in the Kingdom, before allowing travel and in light of the second wave of the pandemic in many countries.
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