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UAE Covid-19 rules eased to allow more people to gather

More people will be allowed at hotels, weddings and malls throughout the UAE

by Time Out Editors

The UAE is easing its COVID-19 restrictions to allow more people to gather.

Increased numbers of people will now be allowed to sit together at public dining tables, and you will now be able to hold larger weddings. Plus, hotels will also be allowed to run at full capacity.

Under the new rules, ten people can sit together at a café or restaurant.

Wedding halls and other events can operate at 60 percent capacity or up to a maximum of 300 people. Those attending will need to wear masks unless seated and eating.


Malls and shopping centres can also raise their capacity to 80 percent, and hotels will now be operating at full capacity, while guests will be expected to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Cinemas, recreational facilities, galleries and museums will be allowed to operate at 80 percent capacity. For live events, the operating capacity is 80 percent with social distancing, mask-wearing and regular sanitisation in place. The number of people who can attend weddings, gatherings and parties at home has increased to a maximum of 60 guests and 10 catering and hospitality staff. Guests will need to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before the event. They will also need to be fully vaccinated, and the second dose should have been taken at least two weeks before the event. Guests will also be required to show a green pass on the Al Hosn app. Public transportation will now operate at 75 percent capacity. Anyone attending live events and exhibitions must have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine. A PCR test taken within 48 hours is also required.

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The UAE’s widespread vaccination drive is part of what has allowed the country to safely allow these new rules. If you aren’t vaccinated yet, here is everything you need to know about the vaccine, plus where you can get vaccinated in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

Looking to get the vaccine booster? Here is everything you need to know about how it works, where to get it, and who is eligible.

For more news keep close to Time Out.

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