Abu Dhabi outlines entry rules for vaccinated at select public areas

Guidelines have been released which will need to be followed in Abu Dhabi from August 20, where only vaccinated individuals will be allowed to access select public areas in the capital.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved the measures which state unvaccinated citizens, residents and tourists will not be allowed to enter or access areas such as shopping centres, restaurants, cafes, gyms, and theme parks. 

This includes anyone whose Al Hosn App is grey, as this reflects an expired PCR test and the need to take another one. 

The guidelines are as follows:

• Those vaccinated against Covid-19 will need to show their green status on the Al Hosn App. This appears after a negative PCR test result, and will remain green for 30 days. You will then need to re-test every 30 days to keep it green.  
• Those exempted from vaccination will be allowed to enter with a green Al Hosn App, which appears after a negative PCR test result. This will stay green for seven days, after which you will need to re-test every seven days to keep it green.
• Children under 16 years will be allowed access so long as they have a green status on the Al Hosn App, but this does not need a PCR test to turn green. 

The same process applies to visitors and tourists who should also adhere to the international travel protocols.

While, those with a new residency permit have a grace period of 60 days to get vaccinated.

The committee explained that to keep the vaccinated status on the Al Hosn App, a booster dose must be taken 6 months after your second dose per the medical protocol for each vaccine. 

A 30 day grace period will be given to all those who have taken their second dose more than 6 months ago. If a booster shot is not received within this grace time, the status on their Al Hosn App will turn grey on September 20. 

Participants in vaccine trials are exempt from needing a booster dose.

This follows the committee’s announcement last month that listed the public places limited to those vaccinated. These are shopping centres, restaurants, cafes, and all other retail outlets, including those not within a shopping centre, as well as gyms, recreational facilities and sporting activities, health clubs, resorts, museums, cultural centres and theme parks. The list also includes universities, institutes, public and private schools and children’s nurseries in the emirate.

The committee emphasised that the decision is part of the emirate’s proactive measures to contain the spread of the virus and its mutated strains. 
The committee stressed the importance of committing to precautionary measures as well as choosing to vaccinate, with vaccination the most effective method for sustainable recovery.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved the entry process for public places limited to vaccinated citizens, residents and tourists, effective from 20 August 2021. pic.twitter.com/Mnwv9BxabY

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 14, 2021