Abu Dhabi is increasing capacity levels at public places to which only fully vaccinated people will be allowed to enter.
From Friday, those who remain unvaccinated will be unable to access a number of venues, including restaurants, cafes, malls and shops.
The list also includes gyms, sports centres, health clubs, resorts, museums, galleries and theme parks, as well as universities, colleges, nurseries and schools.
Vaccinated people are admitted through having green status on Al Hosn, the UAE's vaccination app.
Green status is displayed on the app after a negative PCR test result. It remains valid for 30 days for fully vaccinated people who received their second dose at least 28 days prior.
Capacity increased to 80 per cent
The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee on Saturday approved increasing capacity in public places which are only for those who are vaccinated.
The capacity for shopping malls, entertainment centres, cultural centres, museums and movie theatres is increased to 80 per cent – provided that all precautionary measures are followed.
Capacity in restaurants and cafes is increased to 80 per cent, allowing up to 10 people to sit at one table – provided that face masks are worn when not dining.
The committee has maintained the operating capacity of 50 per cent for health clubs, sports academies, gyms and spas, stressing that residents and guests must adhere to wearing face masks and observe physical distancing.
Sports events, concerts and weddings
“To ensure a safe experience at all events, the committee has approved increasing capacity to 60 per cent for community and sport events, corporate events such as exhibitions and conferences, and entertainment events including theatre plays and concerts,” read a statement from the committee carried by Abu Dhabi Media Office.
It has also approved increasing capacity at wedding halls to 60 per cent, with a maximum of 100 people in the hall.
Entry to public places hosting these events will use the green pass system and all attendees must show a negative PCR test result received within 48 hours of the event starting to be allowed to enter.
“The committee encourages all community members to implement the green pass system at private events and family gatherings to preserve public health and curb the spread of the virus,” the authority stated.
Public transport boost
Officials authorised increasing the operating capacity of public transportation to 75 per cent, as well as taxi capacity, so that a taxi driver can travel with up to three passengers in a five-person taxi and four passengers in a seven-person taxi.
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Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
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The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
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Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
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Volunteers offer workers a lifeline
Community volunteers have swung into action delivering food packages and toiletries to the men.
When provisions are distributed, the men line up in long queues for packets of rice, flour, sugar, salt, pulses, milk, biscuits, shaving kits, soap and telecom cards.
Volunteers from St Mary’s Catholic Church said some workers came to the church to pray for their families and ask for assistance.
Boxes packed with essential food items were distributed to workers in the Dubai Investments Park and Ras Al Khaimah camps last week. Workers at the Sonapur camp asked for Dh1,600 towards their gas bill.
“Especially in this year of tolerance we consider ourselves privileged to be able to lend a helping hand to our needy brothers in the Actco camp," Father Lennie Connully, parish priest of St Mary’s.
Workers spoke of their helplessness, seeing children’s marriages cancelled because of lack of money going home. Others told of their misery of being unable to return home when a parent died.
“More than daily food, they are worried about not sending money home for their family,” said Kusum Dutta, a volunteer who works with the Indian consulate.
