UAE residents get Covid-19 shots as Abu Dhabi vaccine rules come into force

Only vaccinated people will be able to access most public places in capital

Abu Dhabi residents wait to be vaccinated against Covid-19 at the Biogenix Labs at G42 in Masdar City. Victor Besa / The National

From August 20, most public spaces in the emirates will use the Al Hosn app as official proof of vaccinations and PCR results. Victor Besa / The National

Only people who are considered low-risk will be permitted to enter government department buildings and most public spaces. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE is recommending all residents get vaccinated against Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

Booster shots can now be taken without prior appointment at any Seha vaccination centre, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi has said. Victor Besa / The National

Mirza Zaib, from Pakistan, gets vaccinated at Biogenix Labs G42 in Masdar City. Victor Besa / The National

Nurse Dennise Docil prepares before administering the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the NMC Royal Hospital DIP in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Nurse Deboral Musthafa gets ready to administer the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the NMC Royal Hospital DIP. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Fiji Antony receives her Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the NMC Royal Hospital DIP. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Related: How Abu Dhabi's new entry rules for vaccinated people will work

UAE residents have been rushing to get their Covid-19 vaccine shots as new rules come into force in Abu Dhabi.

Many lined up on Friday at centres across Abu Dhabi and Dubai to receive their shots.

Photographs showed people queuing at facilities in Masdar City and Dubai's NMC Royal Hospital.

It comes as new rules – effective Friday – allow only vaccinated people to access most public places in Abu Dhabi.

Under the measures, which apply to citizens, residents and tourists, proof of vaccination will be required to visit most venues, including malls, restaurants and cafes.

The rules also apply to gyms, sporting activities, spas, entertainment centres and all other retail outlets, except supermarkets and pharmacies.

On Thursday, Abu Dhabi ended its nightly stay-home order in place since July and also eased entry rules to the emirate for vaccinated people.