Have you been put off the idea of adding Abu Dhabi as a side trip to your Dubai itinerary due to ongoing COVID rules?
Well, great news, travellers, as of 7 November 2022, you no longer need to present a Green Pass on the Al Hosn app, nor any evidence or vaccines or recent PCR tests in order to enter public spaces in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Throughout the pandemic, Abu Dhabi took a more strict approach to tackle COVID-19 and public safety measures than Dubai. This resulted in extended periods of time where a domestic border crossing was put in place between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi introduced a “Green pass” system.
The Green Pass required visitors to show evidence of a recent PCR test being undertaken with a negative result. The length of time your pass stayed valid for was tied to your vaccination status.
On 6 November, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) that effective from 6:00 AM on 7 November 2022, a Green Pass on Al Hosn is no longer required to enter public places in Abu Dhabi.
#NCEMA: Today, we announce the second phase of the easing of restrictions, after studying the epidemiological situation in the country while monitoring occupancy rates in hospitals and intensive care for #COVID19 cases.
#TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/T0NPKVf74z— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) November 6, 2022
So Can I Now Visit Abu Dhabi Unrestricted From Dubai?
Pretty much.
With the removal of mask rules in the UAE from 28 September 2022, the only remaining rule is that masks must be worn in health facilities. Those who do test positive for COVID-19 must still self-isolate for a period of 5 days.
How Do I Travel To Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
Great question, and one with many answers! There are both public and private transport solutions for getting between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
We detail all your options for travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi over here, but in summary, you can:
What is there to see and do in Abu Dhabi?
So much! Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, and whilst it’s not as large as Dubai, it is still built on a grand scale.
Just like Dubai, the city has humble beginnings and only saw real development from the 1970s onwards. It has been transformed over the past few decades to be one of the world’s most opulent and beautiful cities. Some of the mustn’t-miss highlights we recommend for your Abu Dhabi itinerary include:
- A visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – the resting place of the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan and one of the most visited buildings in the world
- Marvel at the opulent Qasr Al Watan – the country’s presidential palace
- Soak in the incredible Louvre Abu Dhabi museum in the city’s cultural district, Saadiyat Island.
- Take on the thrilling theme parks and excitement of Yas Island Abu Dhabi (motorsports fans, don’t miss the season closer Formula 1 Grand Prix held in November).
- Visit the historic city of Al Ain, filled with cultural experiences and the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites
You can find our complete guide to planning a day trip to Abu Dhabi here
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.
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