Abu Dhabi’s response to COVID-19 was immediate and, in our opinion, structured according to an accurate strategy based on evident results and best practices applied in the rest of the world.
This strategy was evident from the first measures taken in early March, with the closure of schools, up to the availability of the vaccine in December.
Among the measures taken:
✅ Extension of the PCR test and the facilities for accessing the test through the booking app, establishment of drive-through centers for testing, exemption from payment for some categories.
✅ Sanctions on the unjustified increase in prices for the sale of essential devices such as masks and sanitizing gels.
✅ Management of the initial lock-down.
✅ Strengthening of health facilities.
✅ Measures for frequent sanitation of the city, especially in the most densely populated areas and structures frequented by the public.
✅ Tracking through the Al Hosn app.
✅ Social distancing.
✅ Constant information through institutional social channels (through shareable info graphics) and the monitoring of fake news.
✅ Online services for the community, including public administration services.
✅ Gradual reopening of commercial establishments, according to capacities that allow to maintain safety distances and standards of hygiene and health safety
✅ Measures to support the economy
All this, trying to maintain the critical balance between health and economic security, and the commitment to protect a community made up of 80% expatriates, of at least two hundred different nationalities.
📜 The chronological list of all the measures can be found on our dedicated post >>
At the moment, among the provisions in force in the city:
⭕ Safety devices, tests, tracking, social distancing are still in force, with heavy penalties for offenders.
⭕ Access to the beach after checking the temperature at the entrance. It is allowed to remove the mask, if you remain in the designated area (delimited by spaced circles) and when entering the water to swim.
⭕ Public transportation, taxis and buses, are required to strictly comply with the sanitary provisions.
⭕ Supermarkets, centers and shops in general: it is not allowed to enter without a mask, the temperature at the entrance is usually controlled and sanitizing gels are always available. Personnel are usually subjected to periodic tests. Payments with credit or debit cards are encouraged to limit contact.
⭕ Premises such as cafes and restaurants have a limited capacity that allows social distancing, are equipped with sanitary devices and follow sanitary procedures such as temperature control at the entrance.
GoSafe certification for hotels, restaurants, clubs and tourist facilities
GoSafe certification for tourist facilities concerns the application of guidelines, protocols and hygiene and health procedures for the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The certification was first granted to hotels that applied to participate in the program and passed rigorous inspections, later extended to restaurants, museums, amusement parks, up to shopping centers.
