Abu Dhabi is a luxurious metropolis with a mix of stunning cultural monuments and modern megastructures. It is the largest Emirates and has beautiful mosques as well as one of the most popular theme parks in the country and endless deserts.
Abu Dhabi, one of the most wealthy cities in the world is an excellent example of a modern Gulf oil city that has grown from a fishing village into a metropolis in just a few decades. Abu Dhabi has a rich history that dates back to 3000 B.C. and unlike Dubai, it has kept its Arabian culture intact amid all the glamour and glitz. Some of the most picturesque and historic old towns in Abu Dhabi are a reminder of its rich desert-trader history. Jump from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to ride the fastest roller coaster on the planet, and witness past Arab royalty at Emirates Palace.
International visitors are now able to visit Abu Dhabi once more, one of the most vibrant cities in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). This is thanks to new safety and health regulations, including mandatory 10-day quarantine for people visiting from certain countries, and Covid-19 testing prior to and during your trip. Officially reopened for tourism on December 24, 2020.
H.E., Undersecretary of Department of Culture and Tourism said that “we are thrilled that international tourists will soon have the opportunity to explore the many offerings of our beautiful Emirate once again.” Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani. “I am proud of DCT Abu Dhabi’s agility and innovation as they have reimagined their approach to culture and tourist to make it more welcoming to global tourists. We also want to protect the well-being of our community and tourists. This is our top priority.”
Abu Dhabi’s tourism website states that all travellers must submit negative results from a Covid-19-PCR test within 48, 72, or 96 hours of their travel. Depending on your origin, you will need to take another Covid-19 test upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Wait 90 minutes for the results. You will need to repeat the Covid-19 PCR test if you plan to stay in Abu Dhabi for more than six days. If you are staying for less than twelve days, then you must repeat the test for day 6.
The country from which you are coming depends on where you are. Travellers from countries on Abu Dhabi’s Green List can skip the mandatory 10-day quarantine once they leave the airport. These countries are Australia, Bhutan and Brunei, China. Greenland, Hong Kong. Iceland. Israel. Japan. Mauritius. Morocco. New Zealand. Portugal. Russia. Saudi Arabia. Singapore. South Korea. Switzerland. Taiwan. Uzbekistan. The link is updated frequently with the most recent information.
Anybody not coming from any of these countries will be required to be quarantined for 10 days, even if your test results are negative. Abu Dhabi isn’t taking chances so you will need to register with the official Contact Tracing System and keep an electronic wristband for your 10 days stay at your hotel. The wristband will be taken off once you have completed the Covid-19 PCR testing on day 6 (or day 12 if your stay is longer).
Although travel insurance is not required for entry to the Emirate it is strongly recommended that you have a policy that covers your expenses in the event of a Covid-19. All flights booked by Etihad Airways now include Covid-19 Global Wellness Insurance coverage. This will take the worry out of your mind. You have up to 31 days to get medical coverage. If you do happen to test positive while on your trip, please contact Etihad’s Covid-19 Support Team to arrange. The only thing that is not covered by the plan is Covid-19 PCR testing.
Abu Dhabi’s Go Safe Certification Program has been a huge success. Since its inception, June 2020, more than 95 per cent of hotels, four Yas Island-themed theme parks, 33 malls and two cinemas have passed inspections. Although the ultimate goal is to achieve 100% certification in tourism, retail and commercial services, it is safe to say that the joint venture between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Department of Municipalities and Transport as well as Etihad Airways and other partners is on the right track.
