Dubai has long lived up to its reputation of being the ultimate tourist destination, courtesy its location, scenic spots, shopping malls and delicious food among other factors. The Gulf emirate closed its borders for international passengers in March this year in an attempt to contain the spread of Covid-19. In a recent development, however, foreigners from around the globe made their way to the UAE for the first time in almost four months. The passengers arrived at Dubai International Airport post midnight and received a warm welcome into their “second home”. They arrived from cities including London, Egypt and the Netherlands.
All passengers were wearing face masks and gloves and screened by thermal scanners on arrival. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai posted videos of the occasion on its social media channels. Speaking to The National from JFK Airport in New York early on Tuesday morning, Dubai-bound passenger Jeremiah Tshimanga said he was looking forward to his first visit to the UAE.
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“I’m so excited to finally be able to experience and explore Dubai,” he added.
The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management previously announced that tourists will be required to meet safety standards upon entry, which included several conditions. Firstly, tourists must make sure of the fact that they have a valid health insurance in order to enter the country. Secondly, they would need to download the COVID-19 DXB app and register their details on it. They would also need to fill out the health declaration form before embarking. Tourists must do a PCR test with a maximum validity of four days (96 hours) ahead of the date of departure. They will be required to show proof of not being infected with the virus upon arrival at Dubai airports. If they are unable to show evidence, they will be required to undergo a PCR test at the airport.
