Under the leadership of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai updated Dubai’s travel protocols for inbound passengers with effect from January 31.

The updates have been announced in line with the Committee’s keenness to safeguard inbound passengers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee is committed to providing hassle-free travel to passengers without compromising on the necessary precautionary measures put in place to combat COVID-19 and protect the health and well-being of every individual.

According to the revised protocols, UAE residents, GCC citizens and visitors are required to undergo a PCR test prior to their travel to Dubai irrespective of the country of origin. The Committee has also included an additional test for people arriving in Dubai from certain nations, depending on the pandemic situation in those regions.

UAE's citizens returning to the country from abroad which will have to follow the prevailing protocols under which they are not required to undergo a PCR test ahead of their departure, regardless of the country they are travelling from. However, they will have to perform a PCR test upon their arrival in Dubai.

In addition, the Committee has reduced the validity period of PCR tests from 96 hours to 72 hours.

Dubai Airports Company has been asked by the Committee to provide Rapid PCR or Rapid Antigen testing at Dubai airports. Dubai Airports Company will be working in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure that passengers are following necessary travel procedures while departing from Dubai to countries where a pre-travel test is mandatory. Authorities have to ensure that the tests are conducted within the given time-frame.

Regular revision of protocols

Amid the ongoing battle against COVID-19, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has stated that it is regularly updating its travel protocols as part of the process of revising and optimizing precautionary measures against the pandemic. These efforts are being made in accordance with the latest developments at local, regional and international levels.

The Committee is taking these measures to ensure that Dubai continues to serve as a global commercial hub and a bridge for travel and trade between the east and west.

WAM