Abu Dhabi's public places and hotels are required to limit their capacity to 60 per cent, while ensuring visitors on New Year's Eve provide a negative PCR test. This is a part of a 10-point safety plan which has been announced by Abu Dhabi authorities.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has issued a circular to all “hotel and tourism establishments, event organisers, venue owners, and cultural and leisure venues” placing procedures to protect public health. The move is in line with efforts across the nation to limit the coronavirus spread amid a recent surge in cases.

On Wednesday, UAE recorded 2,234 new Covid-19 cases. This is highest daily count since June 11. Daily infection number had dropped in early December below 50 but since then has risen significantly.

Authorities have urged the public to celebrate New Year responsibly amid risk posed by highly transmissible Omicron variant.

New Year’s Eve events rules in Abu Dhabi

1 — New Year events are to be held in line with Green Pass protocols, which means members of the public have to present proof of having received two doses of an approved Covid-19 vaccine or a booster dose if required

2 — Venues must carry out EDE scanning and temperature checks to detect potential Covid-19 cases

3 — Enforce the mandatory wearing of face masks

4 — Presentation of a negative PCR test result taken no more than 96 hours previously

5 — Capacity capped at 60 per cent

6 — People must follow physical distancing measures by keeping distance of at least 1.5 metres, but families are allowed to sit together without distancing

7 — Clear entry and exit points to be defined on site

8 — Sanitisers must be provided

9 — Regular disinfection and sanitisation of public areas should be carried out

10 — Establish teams to monitor compliance with the rules