Dr Taher Al Ameri, spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), has urged all UAE residents travelling to foreign destinations to wear masks and maintain safe physical distancing during their journey, even if COVID-19 safety protocols are relaxed in those countries.

Addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, Dr Al Ameri stressed the importance of following COVID-19 safety rules for all passengers travelling aboard. He called on all travellers to stay aware about the COVID-19 situation in their destination countries and ensure all relevant preventive measures to maintain maximum safety. He also advised residents to have an insurance policy to cover the treatment of COVID-19 n case of emergency.

"The UAE is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic," Dr Taher affirmed.

He underlined that the UAE is witnessing an increase in demand in view of the safety and tourism benefits the country is offering to passengers. The UAE authorities have ensured all possible safety measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and protect the health and wellbeing of the public.

“These measures ensure that tourists can spend some quality time in a safe environment,” he added.

Earlier this month, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, highlighted how the emirate facilitated the recovery of global tourism. Dubai authorities implemented various safety measures to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the emirate.

"Dubai has set the benchmarks for precautionary protocols, making the city one of the world’s safest destinations for travellers," Sheikh Hamdan said.

At the same time, Etihad and Emirates airlines have announced that they have begun the preparation for a busy travel season during the summer holidays. Expo 2020 Dubai is also expected to increase the influx of tourists and participants in the country.

As per dnata figures, Etihad and Emirates are working on handling a whopping 6,300 flights to Dubai from all around the world over the months of June, July and August.