The UAE is gearing up for its four-day public bank holiday in celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary. And the COVID-19 rules for UAE Commemoration Day and National Day events have been announced, and they are particularly relevant to Abu Dhabi residents.
To keep everyone safe as they mark the United Arab Emirates’ Golden Jubilee next month, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has revealed new COVID-19 safety protocols.
“Let us celebrate safely and maintain the gains and efforts done so far, for the health and safety of everyone,” NCEMA tweeted along with the coronavirus safety measures.
The national celebration protocol for Commemoration Day and National Day states that event capacity should be 80 percent and social distancing should be maintained. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority stipulates physical distancing of 1.5m, but members of the same family do not need to socially distance.
Additionally, temperature checks should be performed at the entry on all attendees at National Day and UAE Commemoration Day events, and masks must be worn indoors and in crowded areas.
All ages are allowed to attend the UAE’s 50th anniversary celebrations, provided they are fully vaccinated more than 14 days ago, got a booster shot, or have green status on the Alhosn app.
NCEMA specifically states that those celebrating at Golden Jubilee events must present a negative PCR test on the Alhosn app that is not more than 96 hours old.
Those marking the Golden Jubilee at public events are asked to avoid shaking hands and hugging, and to maintain physical distancing while taking photos in an effort to keep residents safe.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority ended its announcement: “Today, our role is to preserve what we have achieved so far, while at the same time adhere to all preventive measures as we reopen gradually and return to normalcy, in order to ensure sustainable recovery.”
Wondering exactly when the 2021 UAE Commemoration Day and National Day celebrations are? The four-day weekend starts on Wednesday December 1 to celebrate Commemoration Day. It will be followed by two more days off on Thursday December 2 and Friday December 3 to celebrate National Day.
#UAE announces holidays for public, private sector for 2021-2022.#UAE_BARQ_EN pic.twitter.com/vq7Aoy2RGQ
— UAE BARQ (@UAE_BARQ_EN) December 19, 2020
The national celebration protocol announcement on November 2 comes after Abu Dhabi updated its green pass protocols for those attending events and exhibitions.
Effective October 29, the Department of Culture and Tourism revealed new protocols, including providing a negative PCR test that is not more than 96 hours old, mandatory wearing of face masks and thermal screenings at all entry points.
These points for attending events in Abu Dhabi are in line with the protocols for the 50th anniversary celebrations.
The updated coronavirus protocols follow the news that the UAE ranked third for its response to the coronavirus pandemic, as it climbs up the resilience rankings.
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