The unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic has altered businesses, economies and daily life, forcing nations to adapt to what is called ‘the new normal’. Now, and after more than two years since the virus was reported, several countries announced that they will be easing COVID-19 restrictions, aiming to regain back the life they had before the pandemic.
Following global vaccine administration, it appears that those infected with the virus have reported mild symptoms that usually diminish after a couple of days. And despite the surge of COVID-19 variants, particularly Omicron, reports have shown a significant decline in hospital admission and death rates.
With a vaccination rate close to 95%, the United Arab Emirates has joined a prominent range of countries that have decided to ease COVID-19 restrictions. As of mid-February 2022, the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) will gradually lift restrictions across all Emirates.
Dubai has witnessed these new changes in line with NCEMA’s decision:
Travel - Fully-vaccinated individuals will no longer need to present a valid PCR test. However, those who are not fully-vaccinated yet have to submit a negative PCR test issued within 48 hours of sample collection
Quarantine – Individuals who have been in contact with COVID-19 and show no symptoms will no longer need to quarantine or self-isolate. In the event that they are working in any of the UAE’s sectors, they will have to take the PCR test for five consecutive days to ensure that they don’t present a risk to their co-workers
Sports – People of all ages can expect to resume all sport activities, granted they either have a green pass on the Al Hosn app or a negative PCR test issued in the last 96 hours
Capacity – The NCEMA announced that several public areas, such as restaurants and theatres, will now resume operation at full capacity
Masks – As of February 26, 2022, masks are no longer mandatory outdoors as long as a safe distance is still maintained between individuals. However, it remains unknown when this will apply to indoor areas
There’s no definite answer as to when the COVID-19 pandemic will cease, but countries such as the UAE have decided to live with the virus rather than attempt to evade it. Today, it becomes abundantly clear that while nations can mitigate as much as humanly possible the widespread of COVID-19, it primarily depends on the people. Their awareness and responsibility are pivotal in helping regain normalcy.
Dubai has always been a hotspot for tourists, and following the ease in its restrictions, the country’s appeal is increasing further. For those looking to book a trip to Dubai, take a look at our Luxury Concierge services here to bask in an elite and one of a kind experience.