Abu Dhabi skyline.
Abu Dhabi skyline. Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Shutterstock
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Dubai: Procedures to enter the emirate of Abu Dhabi from within the country have been updated by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee. The new regulations, announced by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on January 16, would be effective from today - Sunday, 17 January.

These are the updated guidelines that you need to follow if you wish to enter the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Validity of negative PCR or DPI test changed

Citizens and residents must take a RT-PCR test (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test) or Laser-based DPI (Diffractive Phase Interferometry) test and receive a negative result within 48 hours of entering Abu Dhabi. The earlier validity for these two tests was 72 hours. 

48 hours

validity of the PCR or DPI test allowing you to enter Abu Dhabi

Re-test on Day 4 and Day 8

The requirement for a re-test has also been updated. There is a mandatory PCR tests on Day 4 of entry for those staying for four days or more, and on Day 8 of entry for those staying for eight days or more. The day of entry into Abu Dhabi is counted as day one.

Those failing to take the PCR re-rests will be liable for fines, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Re-test requirements
If you are staying in the emirate for long, you would need to do a re-test on Day 4 and Day 8. The test has to be a PCR test only.

Exemptions

The only people exempt from these procedures are those who are vaccinated as part of national vaccination programmes and volunteers in the Phase III vaccine clinical trials who have an active status (letter ‘E’ or gold star) on the Alhosn app.

New DPI testing centres

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has opened 14 new DPI drive-through test centres near the Abu Dhabi border, which will be open 24 hours a day. The stations are located on both sides of the Al Faya road (E75), in the Seih Sheib area, right before Ghantoot crossing.

How to get the vaccine

If you would like to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Abu Dhabi, you can find a list of all the places which are offering the shot for free here. 

If you wish to book an appointment in Dubai, you can visit our detailed guide on how to do so here. 

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is also offering the vaccine for free at several locations in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.