Set to host mega events including IPL 2021 from September 19, Dubai Expo 2020 from October 1 and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 from October 17, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday announced lifting restrictions from September 12 on entry for residents who have been fully vaccinated with a shot approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). The UAE said that residents from India can fly into the UAE from September 12. The move is set to boost the tourism sector in the country.
As per the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA), countries from which residents can fly into the UAE from 12 September are: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria and Afghanistan. “Those who are fully vaccinated with any WHO-approved vaccines and who have been staying in one of the countries in the suspended list for more than six months since suspension decision was issued for each country, can come to the country under a new entry permit, and rectify their status after entry," said the NCEMA on Friday.
The passengers will have to undertake a Rapid PCR test before boarding and another PCR test on the fourth and eight day of arrival while complying with all precautionary measures in place. Children under 16 years old are exempt from these procedures.
This comes as a host of mega events are being organised including IPL 2021 in the UAE from September 19, and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 from October 17 have led to a sharp rise in travel there. While the T20 final is in Dubai on November 14, the India-Pakistan fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 24 is bound to sizzle the desert.
Besides, Dubai, one of the UAE's seven emirates, is preparing to open the Expo 2020 world fair on October 1after a year-long delay due to the pandemic. The nation which is a regional business and tourism hub is relying on Expo 2020 World Fair to give its economy a boost.
According to travel agents, ) the UAE is witnessing a surge in demand for travel from India after reopening its borders for fully vaccinated travellers (Covishield in India’s case) since August 30.