Abu Dhabi Reopens Amidst Vaccine Optimism

Abu Dhabi has maximised its efforts to largely contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus and hopes to preserve the health gains it has achieved in keeping everyone safe. After an 86% efficacy rate, the UAE has registered for a China-backed vaccine through which the country hopes to restart its economy. 

Focusing on tourism to revive its economy, the country has already lined up several events including plans for the Abu Dhabi shopping season, a destination-wide retail campaign expected to attract international visitors. 

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The vaccine is expected to be a game changer. Abu Dhabi is positive about working with local authorities to resume all activities including economic, social, cultural and tourism. By using methods such as active tracing and mass testing across the emirate, providing free tests to communities with high population density, UAE has been successful in its effort to maintain a low percentage of confirmed coronavirus cases per total tests conducted. 

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The capital will allow visitors from a group of countries it deems safe and the list for the same will be updated every two weeks. Foreign visitors from countries with a lower safety grading will be essentially required to quarantine for 14 days. Although the timeline for reopening might change, Abu Dhabi seems optimistic about resuming their tourism amidst the new normal.