The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) announced on Wednesday, February 9 that COVID-19 restrictions will be gradually lifted. NCEMA stated that the percentages for operating capacity for different social events and public places should be decided by local committees in each Emirate.
Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah have announced the protocol for activities and events so far. Here’s what you need to know about the gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Dubai
Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has announced the following measures, in line with NCEMA’s decisions:
- All commercial, tourism, and entertainment facilities, shopping malls, public transportation, and social gatherings have returned to full capacity.
- There will still be COVID-19 preventive measures, such as masks, social distancing, and regular sanitization.
Dubai’s Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management also stressed the importance of receiving the vaccine and booster to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19.
Sharjah:
Sharjah’s local emergency, crisis, and disaster management guidelines:
- The authority has increased the capacity of all economic, tourism, entertainment, and shopping centers. This also applies to public transportation facilities in the Emirate.
- Social distancing will be reduced to one meter in mosques and other places of worship.
- Social events such as weddings and funerals are now at full capacity.
The authority also stated that despite the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, people should continue to take preventive measures, such as wearing masks and getting the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots.
Ras Al Khaimah
Through its official social media channels, the Ras Al Khaimah Police announced its measures on February 16.
- One meter social distance at mosques and other places of worship.
- Maximum capacity of economic, tourist, and recreation facilities, shopping malls, and public transportation.
- Capacity for weddings, funerals, and other social events
In the Emirate, the Green Pass system on the Al Hosn app will be implemented.
Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah’s local authorities have urged residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot in order to protect themselves and their communities from the disease.
Cinemas and football stadiums return to full capacity,
The UAE’s movie theaters are operating at full capacity as of February 15. The UAE’s Media Regulatory Office of the Ministry of Culture and Youth announced the news. Footfall fans can now attend games at stadiums with 100% capacity but must present an Al Hosn Green Pass to do so.
Is it possible to get a Green Pass on the Al Hosn application?
An individual user’s Al Hosn app has three colors that change according to their vaccination status and whether they have tested positive for COVID-19. It indicates that the person has been fully vaccinated and that the PCR test result is negative.
Take the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot
The NCEMA urged residents and citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to get their booster shot if they received both doses.
NCEMA tweeted on February 9, 2022: “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and efficient in preventing infection and are very effective in reducing severe symptoms, hospitalizations, ICU admission, and deaths. Moreover, vaccination is the best way to curb the spread of COVID-19.”