Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi reminds people of entry rules and quarantine

Travellers to the emirate who recently arrived in the country must disclose their UAE entry date

Nearly 6,000 people are tested at the Ghantoot laser centre every day. Antonie Robertson / The National

Medics at the Ghantoot testing centre on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi use a laser technique to scan a blood sample for signs of surging red blood cells, which is an early sign the body is fighting off a virus. Antonie Robertson / The National

A medic testing a commuter for Covid-19. Antonie Robertson / The National

The results of the Diffractive Phase Interferometry test, or DPI, which detects viral presence in the blood, including Covid-19, are received in minutes via a text message. Antonie Robertson / The National

The test costs Dh50 and is very quick compared with the PCR test that can take time to get a result. Antonie Robertson / The National

The facility was set up to allow commuters who require a negative Covid-19 test to enter Abu Dhabi. Those with negative results can continue their journey. Antonie Robertson / The National

Abu Dhabi has reminded international travellers of a key rule regarding entry – they must disclose the date of their arrival in the UAE.

The emirate’s Crisis, Emergency and Disasters Committee sent the notification on Monday and it relates to the two-week quarantine in place.

Passengers who enter the UAE must take a PCR test and register to receive an electronic wristband, to be worn for 14 days.

Those who arrive in another emirate and wish to travel on to Abu Dhabi must continue to observe this rule, but the days spent outside the capital will be deducted from the total period of isolation.

So if a person spent two days in Dubai after landing there, a further 12 days in isolation will suffice after they reach the capital.

Quarantine is mandatory for all travellers coming to Abu Dhabi, whether they are residents of the emirate or not.

The authorities said it is imperative that they provide accurate information about their travel history.

Anyone flouting the regulations faces legal action.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's tourism chief said the emirate was preparing to welcome back international holidaymakers for the first time in six months.

Speaking on Sunday, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism, said public safety remained paramount.

It was announced on Thursday that tourists living abroad can again secure visas to travel to the UAE capital.