Covid-19 cases have been steadily declining in Abu Dhabi for the past month. As a result, many public health regulations including social distancing and restrictions on higher education institutions have been relaxed since the beginning of August.

Here is what you need to know about these changes:

All retail outlets except supermarkets and pharmacies are reserved only for those who are vaccinated. This includes cafes, restaurants, shopping centers and a lot of independent shops within Abu Dhabi. These restrictions also extend to any public facilities such as gyms, recreational and sporting facilities, health clubs, resorts, museums, cultural centers, theme parks, universities, institutes, public and private schools and nurseries.

Before entering these public places, people are asked to present a green pass, which can be obtained through the Al Hosn app for those who are vaccinated. Only those with a green pass are allowed entry into these spaces.

On the final day of one’s quarantine and after receiving the required PCR results, travelers may visit the [Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center] (https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395302963326) to have their wristband removed. Wristband removal can be found in Entrance G of ADNEC, during the hours of [8 a.m. and 10 p.m.] (https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2021/08/25/coronavirus-abu-dhabi-relocates-covid-19-wristband-removal-centre/). Travelers should bring a negative PCR result in Al Hosn and their Emirates ID.

Travelers are required to upload their vaccination certificates on the Al Hosn app.

All travelers including tourists, Emiratis and residents arriving in Abu Dhabi from green list countries are exempt from quarantine, regardless of vaccination status. However, if unvaccinated, green list travelers must take a PCR test upon arrival and on days six and nine.

For countries not on the green list, restrictions remain unchanged. Unvaccinated citizens, residents and visitors arriving in Abu Dhabi from non-green list countries must take a PCR test upon arrival, quarantine for 10 days and take another PCR test on day nine, as detailed by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee. Vaccinated travelers from non-green list countries are required to quarantine for seven days and take a PCR test upon arrival and on day six.

Public transportation now can operate at 75 percent capacity, up from the previous 50 percent limit.

All government facilities require a negative PCR test result within 48 hours for all unvaccinated people.

Hotels are set to operate at full capacity.

Public gatherings are allowed for up to 10 people, provided they wear masks unless seated and eating.

Cinemas, malls, shopping centers, etc., have all been allowed to operate with increased capacity of up to 80 percent.

Quarantine rules for those who are “close contacts” Abu Dhabi has changed its rules about quarantine measures for those who come into close contact with confirmed Covid-19 cases. [Vaccinated] (https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2021/07/06/abu-dhabi-extends-covid-19-home-quarantine-rules-for-close-contact/) individuals will be required to quarantine at home for seven days with a PCR test on day six. Individuals who are [unvaccinated] (https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2021/08/14/abu-dhabi-reduces-covid-19-close-contact-home-quarantine-period-for-unvaccinated-people/) will be required to quarantine at home for 10 days with a PCR test on day nine.

These individuals may walk into SEHA centers to receive a free PCR test for quarantine release.

As Abu Dhabi continues to relax restrictions on its visitors, authorities urge the public to continue to adhere to appropriate distancing protocol to ensure a safe new normal for all.