Dubai removes PCR test requirement for tourists
Dubai has announced that effective Saturday February 26, vaccinated travellers to the emirate will no longer be required to present a negative PCR test conducted for 48 hours before travel. Instead, vaccinated passengers will only be required to present their approved vaccination certificate, complete with QR code. dubai pcr test for tourists
However, PCR requirements will remain in place for unvaccinated travellers, who will need to provide a negative PCR test conducted within 48 hours of departure.
The move was part of a wider raft of rule changes across the emirate.
Authorities also confirmed the wearing of masks outdoors is now optional in Dubai and throughout the UAE, though it remains mandatory across indoor public spaces.
Restaurants have also returned to 100 per cent capacity for the first time since the start of 2020.
Shisha cafés are also back to 100 per cent capacity, but as per United Arab Emirates’ law, smoking areas must allow space for two square metres per person.
In response to the change, Dubai-based Emirates said passengers flying to the holiday hotspot would now only need proof of vaccination, rather than a negative PCR test.
Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in #Dubai announces easing of COVID-19 precautionary measures in the emirate starting Sat 26 Feb 2022 pic.twitter.com/Di8bAFfXcU
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 25, 2022
In Abu Dhabi, the National Emergency Crisis & Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has removed the green list for travel.
The requirement for a green Al Hosn pass to cross the border between Abu Dhabi and Dubai has also been scrapped.
The pass remains a requirement for those wishing to enter public spaces, such as malls and restaurants.
The news comes as the United Arab Emirates sees a significant decrease in Covid-19 cases combined with high vaccination and booster jab rates.
Dubai named most popular destination of 2022, beats London and Bali dubai pcr test for tourists
Dubai has beaten popular holiday destinations such as London, Bali and Rome to become the most popular destination for 2022.
In a list released by Tripadvisor, Dubai has taken the top spot, and is followed by London (UK), Cancun (Mexico), Bali (Indonesia) and Crete (Greece).
“Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment,” Tripadvisor said.
“Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks. If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah,” it added.
Rome (Italy), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Istanbul (Turkey), Paris (France) and Hurghada (Egypt) completed the top 10 of the ‘Travelers’ Choice 2022: Popular Destinations – World’ list.
Dubai is not the only GCC country in the list. Qatar’s capital Doha is placed 22nd.
