Precautions For Your Next Dubai Holiday

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. It has changed the way we travel, at least for the foreseeable future. The pandemic that took over the world is now reluctantly loosening its grip and things are gradually returning to normal. At least as normal as they can be, under the given circumstances. Dubai is one holiday destination that is now fully open for visitors, after putting all kinds of security measures in place.

So how is the Emirate making Dubai tours safer for its visitors? What precautions do you need to take and what paperwork is required to travel to Dubai? We’ll try to answer all these questions, and more, as we look at the safety measures that Dubai has put up to welcome its visitors.

Testing for COVID-19

You are required to get yourself tested for COVID-19 before arriving at the Dubai International Airport. But the COVID-19 PCR test that needs to be done must comply with certain criteria:

• It should be done from a recognised testing centre.

• It should not be older than 96 hours from the scheduled time of your flight’s departure.

• The test has to be negative.

You must present the test results at the Dubai Airport in a printed format. Digital copies are not acceptable. The test results should either be printed in English or Arabic. Handwritten certificates will not be accepted as well. However, there is no testing required while leaving Dubai. But you will have to comply if your next destination requires that you get tested before leaving Dubai. The criteria for this test will mostly be the same as that done prior to your arrival in Dubai, except for maybe, the language clause.

Safety Procedures at the Dubai Airport

The Dubai Airport has strict safety protocols for passengers travelling into Dubai. These guidelines have been designed to reduce crowding and minimise contact with other people.

• Only those holding a valid air ticket will be allowed inside the airport terminal.

• If you’re exiting from Dubai, you must arrive at the airport not more than four hours, and no less than two hours before your scheduled departure time.

• All travellers must wear protective masks while they are inside the terminal, no exceptions.

• Passengers displaying Covid or Covid-like symptoms are discouraged from coming to the airport. Anyone found with the symptoms will be sent to a medical isolation facility for quarantine and treatment.

These guidelines could be modified or more could be added as the situation develops.

Safety Measures at the Dubai Airport

Along with prescribing precautionary measures for travellers, Dubai Airport has implemented several safety measures at the airport. You will find hand sanitiser dispensers placed at strategic locations all around the terminal building. All check-in and immigrations counters are covered with protective plexiglass shields to minimise exposure for the airport staff.

Your temperature will be checked at every checkpoint that you pass through. This overlapping of measures ensures that nobody with symptoms of the disease slips through due to procedural errors. Suitable distance markers are placed all over the terminal to maintain appropriate social distancing. Finally, various areas of the airport are sanitised regularly as prescribed by the local authorities.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at Hotels

The next critical space with respect to controlling the spread of COVID-19, after the airport, are at the hotels in Dubai. The hotels take their guests’ safety very seriously. They follow the recommended sterilisation and disinfection procedures meticulously. The front office staff has a strict set of guidelines set by the Dubai Municipality and Dubai Tourism.

These guidelines cover crucial points like disinfections, check-ins and check-outs, laundry service, room service and lobby rules. Online check-ins are encouraged, and contactless check-ins are recommended wherever an online check-in is not possible due to reasons. Guests are requested to make cashless payments to further reduce the spread of infection.

If a guest is suspected to be positive, or turns out to be positive in a test, the room they occupy must undergo additional sterilisation procedures as endorsed by the authorities.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at Malls

Malls have been prescribed their own set of precautionary guidelines. They must enforce those guidelines and ensure that people follow all the directions set up by the authorities. All malls must have separately designated points of entry and exit. All such doors should be easily accessible and must be kept open at all times.

All the following zones the mall must undergo rigorous and regular disinfection procedures.

• Shopping carts from all the stores

• All window displays in all shops, which includes jewellery shops

• Elevator buttons, door handles and escalator handrails

• Food courts and nearby areas

• Children’s play areas

• All washrooms in the mall

• Information areas 

Everybody, staff as well as visitors, entering the mall must undergo a mandatory temperature check. Nobody will be allowed to enter the mall without a face mask. Customers cannot test personal care products. Stores are requested to install cashless and contactless payment systems, if they don’t already have it. All crowded areas such as elevators and food courts must maintain the recommended social distancing norms.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at Water Parks

Usually, water parks are some of the most crowded tourist places in Dubai. Now owing to this pandemic, water parks now have to operate at their 50% capacity. They have to be extra vigilant to keep the spread of this disease in check.

All visitors, trainers, lifeguards and park staff must wear a face shield at all times. But they’re allowed to remove it while enjoying an activity that involves submersing face and body. The water park is required to follow all the hygiene and sanitisation procedures set by the Dubai Municipality. Visitors must maintain proper social distancing inside and outside the play areas.

If you’ve taken all the recommended safety precautions, Dubai will welcome you with open arms. Make sure you comply with all the safety guidelines for a hassle-free and safe Dubai holiday.