Latest: UAE travel advice - airline flights and testing for residents and tourists explained
Abu Dhabi has updated its travel rules to allow residents to take 48-hour trips outside the emirate.
Motorists must be tested in the city before they leave and take their results with them.
Previously, residents could leave Abu Dhabi but had to be screened before returning, at a clinic in Dubai or the Northern Emirates, to prove they were Covid-free.
Police at the border must check text message confirmation from testing centres or the government’s Al Hosn tracing app to ensure all drivers and any passengers are negative.
“Those leaving Abu Dhabi for short periods may visit a screening centre in the emirate to conduct a Covid-19 test before departing and present the result on return,” Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said.
Commuters travelling into Abu Dhabi from other emirates must still be tested before they arrive at the border.
At the weekend, hospitals and screening centres were packed as people took tests either to enter the capital or so they could take flights abroad.
Abu Dhabi introduced the system as it sought to drive down the number of coronavirus cases.
The presentation of a negative test result replaces a permit system that could be used only in exceptional circumstances.
Anyone crossing the border, such as those on Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Ain Road, will be stopped at police checkpoints.
The system is not intended for daily commuting but allows for necessary travel.
“People who ordinarily commute daily to Abu Dhabi are advised to reduce or limit their movement during this time, in order to protect themselves and their families from the risk of infection,” the government’s media office said last week.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Vehicles transporting goods and mail vans are exempt from the rule.
Employees not based in Abu Dhabi are still prohibited from entering the emirate.
People with medical appointments for cancer or kidney-related treatment do not need a Covid-19 test to enter Abu Dhabi.
Children under 12 are also exempt.
A full list of exemptions is available here:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
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The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
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