The rules on how long visitors to Abu Dhabi spend in quarantine depend on where they are travelling from. Getty.
The rules on how long visitors to Abu Dhabi spend in quarantine depend on where they are travelling from. Getty.
An airport worker escorts a passenger through Abu Dhabi International Airport. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
An airport worker escorts a passenger through Abu Dhabi International Airport. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
A passenger wearing a face mask checks in at the Etihad counter
A passenger wearing a face mask checks in at the Etihad counter
The drop-off area at Abu Dhabi airport's main departures concourse
The drop-off area at Abu Dhabi airport's main departures concourse
Passengers queue for check-in for repatriation flights
Passengers queue for check-in for repatriation flights
A traveller has his passport checked by security in the departures area
A traveller has his passport checked by security in the departures area
Staff are hosed down with a mild disinfectant before entering public areas
Staff are hosed down with a mild disinfectant before entering public areas
Etihad staff check passengers in during a media tour for The National in July
Etihad staff check passengers in during a media tour for The National in July
Etihad staff check passengers in during a media tour for The National in July
Etihad staff check passengers in during a media tour for The National in July
The airport has handled hundreds of flights in recent months but tourists have not been able to secure a visa since the borders closed in March
The airport has handled hundreds of flights in recent months but tourists have not been able to secure a visa since the borders closed in March
The airport has handled hundreds of flights in recent months but tourists have not been able to secure a visa since the borders closed in March
The airport has handled hundreds of flights in recent months but tourists have not been able to secure a visa since the borders closed in March
Passengers at the Etihad check-in desk
Passengers at the Etihad check-in desk
Arrivals can expect strict hygiene measures and must quarantine for 14 days on arrival
Arrivals can expect strict hygiene measures and must quarantine for 14 days on arrival
Passengers at the Etihad Check-In area at Abu Dhabi International Airport
Passengers at the Etihad Check-In area at Abu Dhabi International Airport

Health

UAE Explained: everything you need to know about quarantine rules in Abu Dhabi

Passengers flying into Abu Dhabi from countries not on its green list and close contacts of Covid-19 patients must isolate

Gillian Duncan
Gillian Duncan

May 03, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi updated its rules for travellers on Sunday.

Vaccinated passengers flying into Abu Dhabi from countries not on its green list will now quarantine for five days instead of 10.

And those who have not been inoculated will have to quarantine for 10 days.

But they are not the only people who are required to isolate in the emirate.

Anyone who comes into contact with a Covid-19 patient must also quarantine to restrict the spread of the virus.

So, what are the rules on quarantine for close contacts and travellers to Abu Dhabi? The National explains.

Who is considered a close contact?

Anyone who has spent time with an infected person for more than 15 minutes, at a distance of less than two metres, is considered a close contact.

The person should have come in contact with the patient two days before their symptoms appeared or since the person received a positive result or any time during the 10 days of infection.

The 10-day quarantine period begins from the date of the last contact with the infected person after he/she tests positive.

For example, if you met someone for a coffee on April 30, and the person tested positive on May 1, your quarantine period would be until May 9.

What happens next?

Anyone who is confirmed as a close contact must go immediately to take a PCR test.

If it is negative, the test must be repeated on day eight.

For example, if the first test is taken on May 1, that is considered to be day one and the second test would be repeated on May 8, the eighth day.

If that test is negative, and no symptoms develop in the last three days of quarantine period, they are free to resume their normal life.

If either of the tests is positive, the person must immediately isolate. They will then receive an SMS with a date for a second PCR test.

If that second test is negative, a third test must be performed within 48 hours. If it is negative, the person can get back to normal life.

However, if the second test is positive, they will be required to isolate at home or at a designated isolation centre, which will be decided by doctors. Severe cases are treated in hospitals.

Once two consecutive negative tests are carried out, or alternatively the 10-day isolation period is completed with no symptoms in the last three days, people can leave isolation, regardless of the result on the eighth day.

Any vaccinated with an E on the Al Hosn app must take a PCR test on the fourth day after coming in contact with a positive case. If it is negative, they can leave isolation.

Only direct contacts must quarantine. But if a person develops symptoms and his family members have come in close contact with him, then they must quarantine too.

Symptoms to watch out for include a runny nose, body pain, shortness or difficulty breathing, headache, diarrhea, nausea, sore throat, a temperature greater than 37.5°C or a loss of taste or smell.

Read More

Abu Dhabi updates home quarantine rules for arriving passengers and residents

Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi lowers cost of PCR tests

However, about a third of cases or possibly more, develop no symptoms.

What are the rules on quarantine after travelling?

On Sunday, Abu Dhabi updated its rules for travellers flying into the emirate, reducing the duration of quarantine for vaccinated travellers.

Vaccinated passengers arriving from green countries must take a PCR test on arrival and on day six, without the need to quarantine.

Vaccinated travellers arriving from other countries must take a PCR test on arrival, start a five-day quarantine and take another PCR test on day four.

The protocol applies to all vaccinated UAE citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi emirate who received their second vaccine dose at least 28 days earlier, which is documented in the vaccine report on Al Hosn app.

Non-vaccinated citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi arriving from green countries must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, followed by PCR tests on day six and day 12.

Non-vaccinated citizens and residents arriving from other countries must take a PCR test on arrival, start a 10-day quarantine and take a second PCR test on day eight.

UAE’s massive Covid-19 testing campaign - in pictures

A team of medics, volunteers and police officers in central Abu Dhabi during a nighttime testing drive. Farha Sameer Baker, right, is head of operations at Tamouh Health Care. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
A team of medics, volunteers and police officers in central Abu Dhabi during a nighttime testing drive. Farha Sameer Baker, right, is head of operations at Tamouh Health Care. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi's government has run door-to-door testing since May 2020. The intention is to identify and isolate cases and drive down community transmissions.
Abu Dhabi's government has run door-to-door testing since May 2020. The intention is to identify and isolate cases and drive down community transmissions.
Maram Herzallah conducts a test on a resident in the corridor outside her home.
Maram Herzallah conducts a test on a resident in the corridor outside her home.
About 15,000 people a day are tested by the team across Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain.
About 15,000 people a day are tested by the team across Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain.
Medics work with the police given that they often have to close streets for periods of time.
Medics work with the police given that they often have to close streets for periods of time.
Nurse Maram Herzallah has her PPE gear checked by a colleague before starting her shift for the night.
Nurse Maram Herzallah has her PPE gear checked by a colleague before starting her shift for the night.
Screening staff are volunteers but most work in the emergency services or in hospitals by day.
Screening staff are volunteers but most work in the emergency services or in hospitals by day.
Staff must work diligently to process thousands of samples. People receive their results on the government's Al Hosn tracing app.
Staff must work diligently to process thousands of samples. People receive their results on the government's Al Hosn tracing app.
Police work with medics to perform door-to-door testing on an Abu Dhabi street.
Police work with medics to perform door-to-door testing on an Abu Dhabi street.
The crew is 100 per cent mobile and carries all the equipment they need to test thousands of people each night.
The crew is 100 per cent mobile and carries all the equipment they need to test thousands of people each night.
The nature of their work means changing their PPE gear frequently.
The nature of their work means changing their PPE gear frequently.
Medics sort through Emirates IDs, which are needed to store data and deliver results.
Medics sort through Emirates IDs, which are needed to store data and deliver results.
A group of residents are tested inside one of the crew's screening vans. Volunteers avoid going into people's homes as a precaution.
A group of residents are tested inside one of the crew's screening vans. Volunteers avoid going into people's homes as a precaution.
Staff at a dry cleaners receive a nasal swab test.
Staff at a dry cleaners receive a nasal swab test.
A police officer stores samples in a cool box until they can be processed.
A police officer stores samples in a cool box until they can be processed.
A shop worker is tested by a medic.
A shop worker is tested by a medic.
The volunteers cover several areas of the city each week.
The volunteers cover several areas of the city each week.
Volunteers says they are proud to play their part in tackling the pandemic and driving down cases.
Volunteers says they are proud to play their part in tackling the pandemic and driving down cases.
Company info

Company name: Entrupy 

Co-founders: Vidyuth Srinivasan, co-founder/chief executive, Ashlesh Sharma, co-founder/chief technology officer, Lakshmi Subramanian, co-founder/chief scientist

Based: New York, New York

Sector/About: Entrupy is a hardware-enabled SaaS company whose mission is to protect businesses, borders and consumers from transactions involving counterfeit goods.  

Initial investment/Investors: Entrupy secured a $2.6m Series A funding round in 2017. The round was led by Tokyo-based Digital Garage and Daiwa Securities Group's jointly established venture arm, DG Lab Fund I Investment Limited Partnership, along with Zach Coelius. 

Total customers: Entrupy’s customers include hundreds of secondary resellers, marketplaces and other retail organisations around the world. They are also testing with shipping companies as well as customs agencies to stop fake items from reaching the market in the first place. 

While you're here
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
While you're here
While you're here
On Women's Day
RESULTS

Lightweight (female)
Sara El Bakkali bt Anisha Kadka
Bantamweight
Mohammed Adil Al Debi bt Moaz Abdelgawad
Welterweight
Amir Boureslan bt Mahmoud Zanouny
Featherweight
Mohammed Al Katheeri bt Abrorbek Madaminbekov
Super featherweight
Ibrahem Bilal bt Emad Arafa
Middleweight
Ahmed Abdolaziz bt Imad Essassi
Bantamweight (female)
Ilham Bourakkadi bt Milena Martinou
Welterweight
Mohamed Mardi bt Noureddine El Agouti
Middleweight
Nabil Ouach bt Ymad Atrous
Welterweight
Nouredine Samir bt Marlon Ribeiro
Super welterweight
Brad Stanton bt Mohamed El Boukhari

Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

Third Test

Result: India won by 203 runs

Series: England lead five-match series 2-1

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
'C'mon C'mon'

Director:Mike Mills

Stars:Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann, Woody Norman

Rating: 4/5

Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20flag%20was%20first%20unveiled%20on%20December%202%2C%201971%2C%20the%20day%20the%20UAE%20was%20formed.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIt%20was%20designed%20by%20Abdullah%20Mohammed%20Al%20Maainah%2C%2019%2C%20an%20Emirati%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EMr%20Al%20Maainah%20said%20in%20an%20interview%20with%20%3Cem%3EThe%20National%3C%2Fem%3E%20in%202011%20he%20chose%20the%20colours%20for%20local%20reasons.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20black%20represents%20the%20oil%20riches%20that%20transformed%20the%20UAE%2C%20green%20stands%20for%20fertility%20and%20the%20red%20and%20white%20colours%20were%20drawn%20from%20those%20found%20in%20existing%20emirate%20flags.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
While you're here
While you're here

Company Profile 

Founder: Omar Onsi

Launched: 2018

Employees: 35

Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)

Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners

On Women's Day
THE BIO

Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain

Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude

Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE

Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally

Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science

On Women's Day
While you're here
The specs: 2018 Maserati GranTurismo/GranCabrio

Price, base Dh485,000 (GranTurismo) and Dh575,000 (GranCabrio)

Engine 4.7L V8

Transmission Six-speed automatic

Power 460hp @ 7,000rpm

Torque 520Nm @ 4,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 14.3L (GranTurismo) and 14.5L (GranCabrio) / 100km

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Alaan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Parthi%20Duraisamy%20and%20Karun%20Kurien%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%247%20million%20raised%20in%20total%20%E2%80%94%20%242.5%20million%20in%20a%20seed%20round%20and%20%244.5%20million%20in%20a%20pre-series%20A%20round%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
%3Cp%3ECory%20Sandhagen%20v%20Umar%20Nurmagomedov%0D%3Cbr%3ENick%20Diaz%20v%20Vicente%20Luque%0D%3Cbr%3EMichael%20Chiesa%20v%20Tony%20Ferguson%0D%3Cbr%3EDeiveson%20Figueiredo%20v%20Marlon%20Vera%0D%3Cbr%3EMackenzie%20Dern%20v%20Loopy%20Godinez%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETickets%20for%20the%20August%203%20Fight%20Night%2C%20held%20in%20partnership%20with%20the%20Department%20of%20Culture%20and%20Tourism%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20went%20on%20sale%20earlier%20this%20month%2C%20through%20www.etihadarena.ae%20and%20www.ticketmaster.ae.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
CoronavirusUAE