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This page brings you all governmental updates on COVID-19 in the UAE.

The UAE Government had earlier eased their restrictions as a step to return to regularity from (May 27th). This came soon after the region saw a tremendous dip in the number of COVID-19 positive cases. Accordingly, it allowed for the opening of its majority of businesses, commercial establishments, leisure attractions and iconic landmarks, however in strict adherence to the preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the successful implementation of first phase, the UAE has now opened its borders again for international tourists from July 7th, 2020. So check out all key updates on Dubai Travel and COVID-19 prevention here.

The UAE Declared Safe.

The testament for this is the many coveted recognitions that the country received for its unprecedented efforts and effective preventive measures against the rapid spread of COVID-19.

  • In the first week of June, the UAE was declared as the safest country in the Gulf region and further ranked 11th in the overall list of 100 safe countries amid the pandemic phase. This was according to an extensive study undertaken by the Deep Knowledge Group which picked these destinations after an in-depth analysis of their economic, health, safety and security standards.
  • After a little less than a month, Bureau Veritas - a highly acclaimed provider of testing, inspection and certification services – certifies Ras Al Khaimah as a safe city (upon the successful completion of its stringent Safeguard Assurance program.)
  • This time, in July, accolade came for Dubai in the form of ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the esteemed World Travel and Tourism Council.

The UAE General Safety Guidelines Against COVID-19 Prevention

  • Mandatorily wear appropriate face mask in public places.
  • Use gloves (optional).
  • Look for social distance boxes or maintain a strict two meters from others.
  • Undergo thermal screening checks before you enter a mall or a facility.

Current Restrictions

  • The government has directed to suspend all large events and gathering until further notice.

The UAE Now Gets Officialy Back On Track

As the UAE is completely back on, majority of its attractions, commercial establishments and landmarks have returned to full-fledged functioning, but in compliance to stringent measures in order to ensure the public safety and combat this pandemic. Accordingly, the following are open now.

AirportsHotels & Private Beaches Public Beaches
Water Parks All Water Activities Water Parks and Pools
Amusement & Theme Parks All Recreation Areas Public Parks
Retail Sector Public TransportAll Sport Activities (including Bowling, Golf, Cycling etc)
Gyms & Health Clubs Healthcare & Other Vital SectorsFamily & Entertainment Centers
Construction & Logistics

FAQs on the Latest COVID-19 Guidelines

1 How does the UAE combat COVID-19? What are the preventive measures undertaken?

From the implementation of intensive national sterilisation program to identifying infected people with field screening to conducting extensive scientific research and establishing Command and Control centers, the UAE’s able government has undertaken several effective measures to combat the pandemic. Moreover, it ranks top among the countries to perform the maximum number of individual COVID-19 test (more than 300,000 tests as of June 21, 2020).

  • Social distancing norm (of maintaining two-meter distance from other people) should be followed at all times when outside.
  • While some activities are allowed 70% to 100% capacity, some are allowed 50% capacity only.
  • The businesses and facilities (that are permitted to open) should install hand sanitizer dispenser (contactless) across all common areas.
  • All should mandatorily wear mask and gloves when outside and in public places.
  • All visitors and staff should pass through thermal screening procedures before entering any facility.

With the intensive sanitization measures and high end safety procedures in place, it’s now safe to visit attractions across Dubai and the UAE. But it’s equally vital to make sure that you comply with all safety guidelines and take appropriate measures to protect yourself from this pandemic.

Yes, the UAE has opened again for the international travelers and tourists from July 7, 2020.

  • First of all, you should have the right UAE or Dubai visa, but this is not applicable if you’re qualified for any visa exemption or visa on arrival.
  • Before your arrival, register all your details in COVID-19 DXB app.
  • You’ve to complete a Health Declaration Form and also submit a duly signed declaration, stating that you’ll take care of all expenses of COVID-19 treatment and quarantine.
  • Get your PCR test done four days or maximum 96 hours prior to your date of Dubai travel.
  • If you display any symptom, the airlines have the complete right to stop you from traveling.

  • As you land at the airport, complete your immigration procedures, along with the submission of your PCR test.
  • In the absence of your PCR test, you’ll have to undergo one at the airport.
  • Undergo thermal screening procedures
  • If the result is positive or you show any symptom, you’ll be required to quarantine yourself for 14 days in a facility arranged by the government but at your own expense (as agreed before your travel).
  • Once you’re out, make sure you strictly abide by all safety regulations and guidelines as imposed by the UAE government.

The following rules and regulations must be followed in malls, hotels, and other retail / wholesale establishments.
  • Businesses should ensure that they abide by all strict sanitization and social distancing measures.
  • While food and beverage outlets are permitted to function as usual, this is not applicable to bars, pubs and nightclubs including those operate inside the hotels.
  • Moreover, the outlets that are permitted to sell alcohol should make sure that they restrict the serving of these drinks to tables or in room (in case of hotel stay), along with the ordered meals.
  • Elevators should come with social distancing marking on floors and preference should be given to pregnant ladies and people with special needs.
  • There should be a mandatory section to isolate the suspected guests.

As of now, Dubai has opened the following entertainment activities and experiences:
  • Ski Dubai
  • Dubai Ice Rink
  • The Green Planet
  • Go-Karting
  • Dolphinarium
  • Aquariums
  • Aerial shows
  • Observation Decks
  • Museums
  • MG Worlds of Adventure
  • Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Dubai strictly prohibits its residents and visitors from organizing or participating in any kind of:
  • Group gatherings, commercial events and family functions such as birthdays, anniversaries etc.
  • Interactive experiences
  • Arcade zones
  • Animal encounter activities

Yes; this covers:
  • Only 50% of occupancy is allowed for pools and water parks
  • Entry is not allowed for people with any medical condition, respiratory ailment and chronic illness.
  • Signage, if any, should be strategically placed at appropriate intervals. This is to ensure its clear visibility.
  • It’s highly recommended to buy tickets online than using the ticket counter.
  • Beaches and all other attractions / facilities should ensure that they adhere to all strict, high intensity sanitization and social distancing measures.
  • There should be a mandatory section to isolate the suspected guests.
  • At souvenir shops within the facilities, guests shouldn’t be encouraged to touch any item that they don’t intend to purchase. And in case if they touch any item, they should be appropriately disinfected before they are put back to its place.
  • No events or gatherings will be permitted in the premise of entertainment centers.

Keep a check of these dos and don’ts when you visit an attraction in Dubai.
  • Mandatorily wear masks
  • Avoid crowd and maintain a strict two-meter gap between yourself and others
  • Avoid any kind of contact with sick people
  • Use an alcohol based sanitizer with 70% alcohol content to disinfect your hands at regular intervals
  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, particularly after using washrooms, potentially infected surfaces in common places, or post coughing, sneezing etc.

For medical support, you can dial at:
  • 8001717 (Estijaba Hotline – Department of Health)
  • 800342 (Dubai Health Authority)
  • 80011111 (Ministry of Health and Prevention)

Apart from this, you can also use the UAE government’s many smart apps such as the ALHOSN UAE app, TraceCovid app, and Virtual Doctor for COVID-19.