Everything you need to know about travelling to Abu Dhabi for the UFC

The UFC is returning to Abu Dhabi this month for three events including two Fight Nights and UFC 257.

All three events will be held at the brand new Etihad Arena and select number of fans are being permitted into the arena to watch the event live.

Among the big names appearing across the events are UFC superstars, Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, Dustin Porier, Dan Hooker, Calvin Kattar and Micheal Chandler.

Heading to Abu Dhabi to watch one of the events? Here’s everything you need to know.

Heading to Abu Dhabi by car

All visitors entering Abu Dhabi are required to show a negative COVID-19 test at the border.

A negative PCR or DPI test from the previous 72 hours must be presented in order to enter Abu Dhabi.

If you’re planning on staying in Abu Dhabi for a prolonged period you will need to have a second PCR test if you’re still in the emirate on the sixth day.

In addition, another test must be taken on day 12 if you are still in Abu Dhabi.

Testing centres have also been removed from the border, meaning you will have to have proof of a negative test with you. You will no longer able to get tested at the border.

Those who have volunteered for the National Vaccination Programme and volunteers in Phase III clinical trials who have an identification mark of the letter E or golden star on the Alhosn app are exempt.

For the latest guidelines on crossing the border from elsewhere in the UAE, including follow-up testing, click here.

A negative test is not required when departing the emirate.

International visitors travelling to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is open to international tourism but only passengers from countries on the green list are not required to quarantine on arrival.

Travellers arriving from Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Kuwait, Macao, Mauritius, Mongolia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Taipei and Thailand do not need to quarantine when arriving in the city.

Travellers arriving from all other countries including Europe, the UK and USA must quarantine for ten days upon arrival.

In addition all those arriving in the country are required to wear an electronic bracelet that will be removed after ten days following a negative COVID-19 test.

International visitors travelling to Abu Dhabi from other emirates

Tourists and residents arriving in other emirates from overseas can spend the 10-day quarantine period in other emirates (following respective emirate’s protocols) before entering Abu Dhabi.

If you have arrived from overseas and have spent 10 days in the country before entering Abu Dhabi, you can enter Abu Dhabi with a negative COVID-19 test result at the border.

If you have been in the country for less than 10 days, once arriving in Abu Dhabi, residents and tourists travelling from overseas will be required to quarantine and wear an electronic bracelet until reaching day 10.

A PCR test is required on the ninth day to ensure the removal of the electronic bracelet after ten days.

For a complete guide to travelling to Abu Dhabi click here.

Safety procedures at the Etihad Arena

All attendees are required to show a negative COVID-19 test from the past 48 hours on entry, and can do so by presenting the Al Hosn app or a medical certificate.

In addition, temperature checks will be carried out on arrival.

Failure to present a negative COVID-19 test result, in the timeframe stated above, will result in access to the arena being denied. The same applies for those showing signs of fever in a temperature check.

Refunds will not be offered to those who fail to show a negative COVID-19 test from the past 48 hours.

Face masks must be worn at all times inside the venue, including when being seated.

Strict social distancing will also be in place to keep fans separate and ensure the safety of all attendees.

More safety measures can be found here.

For more information visit and to buy tickets visit www.etihadarena.ae.
UFC Fight Night, Jan 17, 9pm, main card from midnight. UFC Fight Night Jan 20, 6pm, main card from 9pm. UFC 257, Jan 24, doors open 12.30am, main card from 7am. Etihad Arena, Yas Bay, Yas Island www.etihadarena.com.