Your Ultimate Guide To Where Vaccinated & Non- Vaccinated Residents Can & Can’t Go In Dubai & Abu Dhabi

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Your Ultimate Guide To Where Vaccinated & Non- Vaccinated Residents Can & Can’t Go In Dubai & Abu Dhabi

The UAE has always been ahead in containing the covid-19 pandemic. From urging residents to get inoculated to organizing vaccination drives in schools, the country has left no stone unturned in encouraging the residents and citizens to get vaccinated. The UAE has also moved up the ranking and has bagged the number 1 spot in vaccine doses administered per 100 people.

However, new measures have now come in place and Dubai nationals and residents will be permitted entry in certain places only if they are vaccinated. So, here’s a list of all the places in Dubai you can and cannot go depending on your vaccination status.

Also read: Quarantine In Dubai & Abu Dhabi: Everything You Need To Know When Arriving In UAE

Which Are The Places In Dubai That DON’T Need You To Be Vaccinated?

1. Airport

No, you do not need to be vaccinated to go to the Dubai International Airport. However, those who are travelling outside the UAE will have to follow rules as per their destination country. All airlines require negative PCR test results to allow passengers to board. So, make sure you check the latest rules before you head out.

2. Hotels & Entertainment Venues

Hotels can operate at 70% occupancy while entertainment venues can increase capacity to 70%, from 50%.

3. Beaches

All Dubai residents and citizens can head to the beach without any vaccination. However, strict social distancing rules must be followed. As well as facemask must be worn at all times. Facemask can be removed while swimming, but must be worn when lazing around in the promenade or visiting waterfront cafés and restaurants.

Also read: Covid-19 Vaccine In UAE: Here’s A Detailed List Of All The Vaccination Centres In Each Emirate

4. Restaurants & Cafes

No, you don’t have to be vaccinated to visit restaurants in Dubai. Recently, restaurants have increased the number of people per table to ten, while coffee shops can have a maximum of six people in a table. Restaurants and cafes are also allowed to remain open until 3 am and resume brunches, with strict protocols in place. Tables that accommodate large groups of 5 to 10, should not be adjacent to other tables that take the same number of individuals. Customers are not allowed to be in the premises for more than 3 hours. Masks must be worn as individuals walk around the establishment or visit the restrooms.

5. Travel To Other Emirates From Dubai

No, you don’t have to be vaccinated to travel between emirates in the UAE. However, a negative covid test report is a must for those crossing borders. The report must be updated on the Alhosn app within 48 hours of crossing the border.

Also read: UAE-ites Now Need Al Hosn App To Cross Abu Dhabi Border, SMS No Longer Accepted

6. Cinema, Gym, Museums & Other Public Places

All tourists and residents can visit cinemas, gyms, museum, parks, and pools without the need to be vaccinated. However, all rules pertaining to each of these places must be followed.

7. Attend Sports, Cultural, Social & Art Events

Earlier, it was mandatory for guests to be vaccinated in order to attend live sports and cultural events in Dubai. In addition, you must also show a valid PCR test ahead of time. However, in a recent development, the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team eased regulations. Vaccination certificates will no longer be mandatory for those attending some entertainment and sporting events in Dubai. However, the capacity for seated events will be capped at 60%.

8. Bars

As per earlier rules, those visiting a bar in Dubai must be fully vaccinated, with both doses of the coronavirus vaccine. All bars in Dubai also checked both the Alhosn app and pdf version of the medical certificate issued after your second dose. However, clubs and bars in Dubai are now permitted to remain open until 3 am. Besides, alcoholic beverages counter will now be open as well as establishments that serve beverages on the bar have also resumed services.

Which Are The Places In Dubai That Need You To Be Vaccinated?

1. Weddings

Weddings can be conducted, but only vaccinated guests will be permitted to enter. Weddings conducted in hotels and venues are currently capped at 100 guests. In addition, all staff orgainisng the wedding must also be vaccinated. Weddings and private gatherings organized at home cannot have more than 30 guests.

Meanwhile, Vaccinated UAE Residents Can Travel Quarantine Free To 19 Countries This Summer

What Are The Latest Covid-19 Rules In Abu Dhabi?

Starting 19 July, all vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals entering Abu Dhabi must submit a negative PCR result taken within 48 hours of entry. Alternatively, you can also submit or a negative DPI result taken within 24 hours of entry. In addition, Abu Dhabi’s disinfection program is back and that means all residents must stay home between 12am and 5am unless “absolutely necessary”.

Events, Parks, Cinemas & Restaurants

Only vaccinated people, with an active E on Al Hosn app can attend live events. Diners are limited to four per table if they are not family members, living in the same home. Malls are limited to 40 per cent capacity. Restaurants, cafes, hotels and public beaches and parks are capped at 50 per cent occupancy. Cinemas are open but with a 30 per cent capacity cap. Public transport, including buses and public ferries, is limited to 50%. A maximum of three passengers are permitted in a five-person taxi and four passengers in a seven-person taxis.

Weddings & Other Gatherings

Up to 10 family members can gather but they must wear face masks and remain at least two metres apart. However, parties and other social gatherings have been banned. Meanwhile read this Dubai To Abu Dhabi Travel Guide: Everything You Must Know About PCR Tests, Vaccination And Travelling.