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The luxurious metropolis of the world, Abu Dhabi is nothing less than a stylish blend of gorgeous cultural monuments and beautiful megastructures. Situated on the Persian Gulf island, Abu Dhabi is a blend of stunning beaches, magnificent architecture, adventure sports destinations, and several other traditional and cultural monuments. Every nook and corner of this city features a perfect mix of contemporary cultures and traditional ethos, making this place a pristine paradise for all travellers.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism has introduced various safety measures for the safety of travellers visiting the city in these times of COVID. Thanks to the safety guidelines being strictly adhered to, the city is safe to visit. Here is a descriptive travel guide for you to plan a vacation to this glittering city, Abu Dhabi:
Is Travelling To Abu Dhabi Safe?
Abu Dhabi has much less number of cases as compared to other major cities throughout the world. The strict safety measures and guidelines issued by the government has made the city safe to travel to for tourists. Moreover, the specific safety guidelines issued for enhancement of the hygiene protocols has also greatly contributed to making the hotels, resorts, etc. safe for travellers to stay at, without the fear of infections.
Role of Department Of Culture & Tourism, Abu Dhabi In Assuring Your Safety
Department of Culture and Tourism, Government of Abu Dhabi, has launched a new endorsement program, namely, Go Safe Certification, to testify the implementation of the standards related to cleanliness and hygiene. This certification program is designed in accordance with minimizing the COVID-19 spread across tourist premises. The certification is conferred with hotels and resorts to ensure that they meet the required hygiene standards and is further being expanded to museums, malls, restaurants, and amusement parks. The department is taking utmost care that all the guidelines and safety measures issued are being strictly followed across Abu Dhabi to keep all citizens and tourists safe.
The UAE has been gradually streamlining stay-at-home measures. Abu Dhabi is now on the way of reviving its entertainment and tourism sectors for assisting its citizens, residents, and tourists to enjoy the real beauty of Abu Dhabi.
How To Get To Abu Dhabi?
Indians with any valid UAE visa can now visit Abu Dhabi. Air India, Jet Airways and Etihad flights are operational from major Indian cities such as Kochi, Kannur, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mangaluru, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Amritsar, Tiruchirapalli, Chennai, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, etc. The airlines have taken all the necessary precautions to keep the passenger safe during the journey. The Abu Dhabi airport is also well equipped with social distancing enablers, hand sanitizers and other safety measures to keep the travellers safe. Travellers are required to keep their masks and gloves on at all times while at the airport.
Your Stay In Abu Dhabi
- Download the Alhosn Mobile App before you leave for Abu Dhabi.
- On your arrival in Abu Dhabi, you will have to fill the Health Declaration Form and an undertaking for quarantine in the city and submit it at the airport.
- You will also have to present a negative PCR test taken in the last 48 hours.
- If the 48-hour validity is crossed, you can still get entry to Abu Dhabi by getting a DPI test done at the airport. If you test negative, you will be allowed entry. If you test positive, you will be taken to the nearest health facility.
- A medically approved wrist band or COVID tracking device will be given to each passenger arriving from another country. This device will only be allowed to be removed after 14 days of quarantine.
- Once you enter Abu Dhabi, you will have to quarantine yourself for at least 14 days in self-isolation. A fine of 50,000 DH shall be imposed on all those who violate the quarantine norms. Go through the official self-quarantine guidelines for arrivals.
- Those recovering from coronavirus should compulsorily undergo self-isolation for the next two weeks before seeking a hospital discharge.
- If you are staying in Abu Dhabi for more than 6 consecutive days or more, you would have to get a test done on the sixth day and present a negative certificate in order to be able to stay in the borders of Abu Dhabi.
Hotels & Resorts Reopened in Abu Dhabi
Almost 80% of the hotels and resorts in the Emirates have enrolled in the GoSafe certification programme which means they are now well equipped in enhanced sanitization techniques and safety measures to keep their guests safe. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts reopened in Abu Dhabi:
- Four Seasons, Abu Dhabi
- St. Regis Beach Club
- Radisson Blu Hotel and Resort
- Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi
- Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
- Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
- Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
- W Hotel Abu Dhabi
- Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
- Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island
- Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri
- Anantara Eastern Mangroves
- Zaya Nurai Island
What happens if you show COVID-19 symptoms at the resort or hotel?
If you start showing symptoms of COVID-19 while at your hotel or resort, inform the accommodation manager. you would immediately be isolated in a room equipped with a negative air pressure conditioning system, which is specifically designed in accordance with preventing germs from escaping out of the room. A swab sample shall then be procured from the patient’s nose and throat and placed in a vial and transferred to an approved governmental laboratory. Within 24 to 36 hours, results are drawn throughout the tenure. The patients are asked to stay isolated in the hospital’s designated wards.
Helpline Numbers:
In case of any confusion about the COVID-19 symptoms, you may immediately seek medical assistance through Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre via a WhatsApp message at 056 231 2171. You may even contact and seek help from the Dubai Health Authority at 800342 or the Ministry of Health and Prevention at 80011111.
Restrictions in Abu Dhabi
Wearing masks and stringently adhering to social distancing norms has been mandatory across every nook and corner of Abu Dhabi. Moreover, you will also have to self-quarantine for 14 days on entering the borders of Abu Dhabi and get tests done if you’re staying for 6 or more consecutive days in the capital.
Exploring Abu Dhabi in the “New Normal”
1. Go Shopping
Abu Dhabi is a hub of luxurious shopping malls, jewellery and accessories. The recent re-opening of shopping malls in Abu Dhabi has brought much excitement in the shoppers who visit this glittering city. All malls in Abu Dhabi are following strict safety measures to keep visitors safe but ensure that you too, follow all guidelines like wearing masks and adhering to social distancing during the visit.
2. Stroll Down The Beach
Major beaches and beach-side hotels have been opened up across Abu Dhabi. You may plan on a weekend stay at either of these beach hotels and witness the magnificence of the emirates’ sandy vistas. Relax here or take a stroll while staying safe and being away from the crowd.
3. Relax In A Water Park
Since the mid of June, all the waterparks have been fully functional across Abu Dhabi. So, if you are in the mood to relax with the cold-water currents, reserve your dates and plan to explore a water park. Make sure that you read the social distancing guidelines and follow the rules and regulations stringently to stay safe.
4. Go Kayaking In The Mangroves
Witness a different side of Abu Dhabi with its mangrove kayaking tours. Explore this magnificent city in a new light as you slowly paddle your way around it. Night kayaking tours around Abu Dhabi are also available for you to revel in the city’s scape while adhering to social distancing and staying safe.
5. Abu Dhabi Boat & Cruise Tours
Treat yourself to a boat tour of Abu Dhabi and marvel at the cityscape of this beautiful city, in its full glory. The spectacular high rises and the marina of Abu Dhabi are sure to take your breath away. you can also enjoy a sunset cruise at Abu Dhabi to witness the gorgeous sunset with Abu Dhabi’s stunning skyline- all this while staying safe and away from the crowds.
6. Desert Safari
Desert Safari is one of the most popular experiences to have in Abu Dhabi. You can head to Liwa Oasis, Al Khatim Desert, or the Empty Quarter to experience the best desert safari in Abu Dhabi. Glide through the massive sand dunes in a safari jeep and witness the wild side of the city as you stay with your family, and away from the crowds. Dune buggies, camel trekking, sandboarding, desert camping, and a camel farm visit are some other popular experiences to have in Abu Dhabi.
7. Abu Dhabi Ibattle
Abu Dhabi also has one of the best gaming entertainment for all the game lovers! Head over to Ibattle filed for a unique yet recreational gaming entertainment with advanced high-tech systems and 100 per cent accurate signal technology. All safety measures and guidelines are followed here to keep the gamers safe from any infection.
8. Dune Bashing
A thrilling yet engaging activity to be enjoyed either solo or with your better half is Abu Dhabi’s dune bashing adventure. This adventure involves driving over the vastly spread sand dunes with very high speeds. Dune bashing is usually performed either with 4×4 vehicles, dirt bikes, and buggies. Sweihan and Liwa Desert are the famous places in Abu Dhabi for experiencing the dune bashing adventure.
9. White Water Rafting
Wadi Adventure white water rafting adventure is considered one of the most thrilling adventures for adventure enthusiasts. Experience the nerve-wracking rafting adventures through volatile waters spread across three separate channels of the Wadi Adventure’s white water rapids.
How To Get Around?
Local buses and taxis are running across Abu Dhabi to take you around the city. It is compulsory for all passengers to wear masks and adhere to social distancing while using public transport in Abu Dhabi. If you’tre travelling in a taxi, the use of online payments or digital money is encouraged.
Packing Essentials for a Post-COVID Holiday
With the COVID-19 panic all around, your backpack needs some more add-ons besides your regular travelling stuff. Here’s a list of all those travelling essentials to be packed:
N-95 masks: As COVID-19 is easily spread to microdroplets, N-95 masks find the top priority on your travelling essentials list. Ensure that you buy at least 3 N-95 masks of a leading brand and keep using them alternatively. The pore size of these masks is much smaller than the actual size of the bacteria. Hence, these masks help in easy filtration of the microbes.
Gloves: Keep a pack of medical or disposable gloves along with you to protect your hands from all sorts of contamination. Use them while you commute, and once you are indoors, dispose of them off responsibly.
First-Aid Kit: First aid kits are necessary to have now, more than ever when you travel. You can equip your kit with the necessary medicines required for treating symptoms such as cold, cough, fever, vomiting, etc. This is just a precautionary measure to stay ahead in case of an essential medicine shortage.
Hand Sanitizer: Sanitization helps you keep off the microbial load. We all know how important it is in the present COVID-19 scenario. Regularly keep a hand sanitizer and use it frequently, to stay safe and away from infections.
Extra clothes and a bag: This is yet another essential precaution to take note of while travelling across the borders. A bag full of extra clothes will help you to stay off the infection spread. Once you land at your preferred destination, you may change off your clothes and pack your used clothes into a ziplock bag to be washed off thoroughly.
The Department of Culture and Tourism, Government of Abu Dhabi, is working restlessly hard to keep all Abu Dhabi tourists safe and sound on their go. The city is now witnessing a fall in the number of COVID cases. With strict travel rules and regulations, standardization of the safe travelling protocols, and stringent social distancing norms in place, the Department of Culture and Tourism, Government of Abu Dhabi, has undoubtedly made Abu Dhabi a win-win safe holiday destination for international travellers.