Visiting Dubai In The New Normal: A Definitive Guide
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The COVID-19 pandemic had introduced tons of restrictions and rules to international travel. But as the situation seems to be getting better, many countries have reopened their borders to international travellers of certain categories. One of these countries is the UAE which has allowed the entry of tourists since July.
Dubai, the glittering city of UAE has seen the thousands of travellers visiting its premises as soon as the borders reopened. The city has resumed the functioning of a majority of its malls, attractions and parks for the public with strict safety measures in place.
If you’re someone who’s looking to visit Dubai soon, in the new normal, here is a definitive post-COVID guide for you. Read ahead to know about the entry requirements, reopened attractions, hotels and safety measures in place across the city.
Entry To Dubai
- A valid negative PCR COVID test certificate taken not more than 96 hours before arrival. The test must be printed in English or Arabic and from an accredited lab of your country.
- If you’re a returning citizen of Dubai, you would not require a COVID negative test for entry to Dubai and would be tested at the airport itself.
- Check for VISA requirements before you plan a trip to Dubai.
- Ensure you have medical insurance for international travel that also cover COVID-19.
- Fill out the health declaration form before departure.
- Register all your details on the DXB app before you leave for Dubai.
- Fill out the quarantine undertaking form that will be given to you on board. This should be later presented to the authorities on arrival in Dubai.
- Thermal screening will be done at Dubai airports for all travellers. If found symptomatic, you will be taken for a COVID test at the airport itself.
Staying In Dubai
The Dubai Tourism Board has introduced various safety measures across the city and has set standards for hotels to match in terms of hygiene. The board is assuring adherence to all measures by the stakeholders of the tourism industry to keep all travellers visiting Dubai, safe.
Reopened Hotels
- Most hotel and resorts in Dubai have reopened with strict safety measures and enhanced safety protocols in place.
- 90% of the reopened hotels in Dubai have also been given the “Dubai Assured” hygiene stamp.
- This includes temperature checks, digital guidelines, upgraded facilities and housekeeping, social distancing enablers, regular sanitization, contactless menus at restaurants, and regular checks by authorities to confirm the adherence to guidelines.
What Happens If You Show COVID Symptoms While your Stay In Dubai
If you happen to show COVID symptoms while staying in Dubai, make sure to inform the hotel manager first. You would then be isolated in your room and till a COVID test is done.
Alternatively, you can call the Dubai Health Authority’s hotline 800342 for help.
Local Transport
All transport services in Dubai including buses, metro, taxis, etc have resumed with strict safety measures in place. It is mandatory for all passengers to wear masks and adhere to social distancing when travelling in public transport in Dubai.
Safety Measures
- Wearing masks and adhering to social distancing is mandatory in all public places across Dubai
- Make sure you check the timings and slots to the attraction or park you visit. Some of them might need digital tickets and limited capacity or changed timings.
Experiences
Here are 5 things to do to explore Dubai in the “new normal”:
- Visit Burj Khalifa
The tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa has been reopened for visitors with strict safety measures in place. Witness the stunning panoramic views of the glittering city of Dubai from the top and take home memories that will last for a lifetime.
Book Burj Khalifa Tickets At 11% Off- Go Shopping At Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is one of the biggest malls in the world. If you’re a shopping freak, this is just the right place for you! The mall has also introduced various safety measures to keep all visitors safe. Make sure you wear your masks and adhere to social distancing while inside.
- Enjoy A Desert Safari
Desert Safari is one of the most popular experiences to have in Dubai. Feel the thrill as you glide up and down the deserts of Dubai in an off-roader while staying away from the crowds and safe.
Book Dubai Desert Safari+BBQ Tickets At 40% Off- Visit Ferrari World
The famous Ferrari World in Dubai has been reopened for the public with strict safety measures in place. Visit this theme park with your family and enjoy the numerous fun rides here. The park also includes various zones, shows and attractions for your kids to have blast!
Book Ferrari World Tickets At 11% Off- Visit Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Witness thousands of exotic aquatic animals and over 140 species including Sand Tiger Sharks, Giant Groupers at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Spend the day with your partner exploring and indulging in the aquarium’s carefully designed Dubai Tour package for couple for the ultimate fun. The aquarium has also introduced various safety measures and enhances safety guidelines to keep all their visitors safe.
Book Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Tickets Starting At INR 1,450Packing List For Dubai
As you pack for your trip to Dubai in the new normal, there are some essentials you must not forget at any cost. Here’s a list of all the things you must keep in your bag:
- N-95 masks: Keep yourself safe throughout the trip with N-95 masks. Make sure you carry at least 3 of these to be able to change and wear alternatively.
- Gloves: Keep a pack of disposable gloves (used for medical examinations) with you to keep your hands from getting contaminated. When used, dispose of them carefully and responsibly.
- Hand sanitizer: Always keep a hand sanitizer with you, in case you’re not able to wash your hands frequently. This will help you get rid of any germs and viruses on your hands and avoid infections.
- First-aid Kit: In case, you catch a fever or show other symptoms and are tested negative for COVID, you would need regular medicines to treat yourself. Keep the essential medicines with you in a first aid kit to avoid any hassles in a foreign country.
- Extra clothes & a bag: Just to minimize the risk of infection even further, you can keep an extra pair of clothes that you can wear while travelling on flights or at the airport. Keep this pair of clothes packed in a ziplock bag after use, if it’s not possible to wash them.