Here's all you need to know about Abu Dhabi's new entry regulations

The Abu Dhabi Crisis, Emergencies and Disasters Committee has updated the COVID-19 preventive and precautionary measures, with the easing of entry rules from December 24.

The validity of a negative PCR or DPI test result used to enter Abu Dhabi has been extended from 48 to 72 hours.

The Committee has also replaced the tests done on days four and eight from entry, with a test to be conducted on day six after entering the emirate for those staying six or more consecutive days.

While the capacity of the SEHA testing centres located outside Abu Dhabi emirate will be increased.

Testing centres at entry points to Abu Dhabi will be closed and people are advised to get their tests done before driving to the Emirate.

The authorities have warned that those failing to follow the regulations will be penalised. 

The Committee also approved reducing the quarantine period for those who have been in contact with a positive case to 10 days, provided a PCR test is taken on day eight with a negative result.

As previously announced, participants in the National Vaccination Programme and Phase III of the vaccine clinical trials who have active icons on Alhosn app (that's a gold star or the letter E), are exempted from quarantine requirements when returning from abroad or when in contact.

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved procedures for all UAE citizens and residents entering the emirate, including returning residents, from 24 December 2020. pic.twitter.com/9vyu22446S

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) December 22, 2020

In addition, the Committee has approved the procedures for international travellers, both residents and tourists, from December 24.

Travellers from ‘green’ countries will be exempted from quarantine.

And the quarantine period for travellers coming from other countries has been reduced to 10 days.

All travellers will need to undertake a PCR test on day six if they are staying six or more consecutive days, as well as on day 12 if they are staying 12 or more consecutive days.

Country classifications will be reviewed fortnightly.

Following the successes achieved by implementing the precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 and maintaining a low rate of confirmed cases, Abu Dhabi will welcome back international tourists from 24 December 2020. pic.twitter.com/Oq7X9qH8BF

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) December 22, 2020

Periodic screening programmes for the residents of industrial zones and communities with high population density and the employees of commercial activities in Abu Dhabi emirate has been approved.

The operational capacity of economic, tourism and entertainment activities will be increased.

These include shopping and entertainment centres, restaurants and nurseries.