The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has issued updated safety guidelines for hosting indoor and outdoor social events and family celebrations in the emirate. The new measures are effective December 26, 2021.

According to the Committee, the measures are aimed at enhancing safety across the emirate and protecting public health amid rising COVID-19 infections in recent days.

As per the updated protocols, a maximum capacity of 60 percent is allowed at venues hosting social events such as wedding ceremonies, funerals and family gatherings. Furthermore, the maximum number of people allowed to participate in indoor gatherings and outdoor events and open-air activities should not exceed 50 and 150 respectively. In addition, social events taking place at home are not allowed to host more than 30 people.

People participating in social events are required to comply with existing precautionary measures such as displaying green pass on their Al Hosn App, presenting a negative PCR test result, wearing face masks all the time and following physical distancing measures. The PCR test must be conducted within 48 hours of attending the event. The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee also stated that inspection and monitoring will be increased to ensure public adherence to all preventive and precautionary measures. These efforts are aimed at protecting the health and wellbeing of all community members and maintaining a low rate of COVID-19 infection in the emirate.

In conclusion, the Committee urged all community members to continue compliance with precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded places, properly wearing face masks, practising 2-metres physical distancing, and regularly washing and sanitising hands and other spaces. The Committee has also encouraged eligible people to take their booster vaccine dose three-six months after receiving their second dose. People must also undergo regular PCR testing to maintain green status on Al Hosn app in order to visit most of the public places in the emirate.

WAM