New rules will come into force on 31 January for all arrivals in Dubai, requiring them to take a PCR test for Covid.
The decision by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management means that negative pre-departure tests taken no earlier than 72 hours before the flight will be required by UAE residents, GCC citizens and foreign visitors prior to departure for Dubai irrespective of the country they are coming from.
The Committee has also mandated that arrivals from certain countries (based on the pandemic situation in those countries) require an additional test on arrival in Dubai. The list includes many countries in Africa and South America.
UAE citizens will be able to take a PCR test on arrival.
The committee said “the updated travel protocols are part of a regular process of revising and optimising precautionary measures based on the latest local, regional and international developments” and will enable the city “to continue serving as a global commercial hub and a bridge for travel and trade between the east and west”.