COVID-19 restrictions for attendees of Expo 2020 in Dubai

Since cases of COVID-19 are rising around the entire world, the United Arab Emirates is managing to keep pace with developments and adjust regulations to make sure residents and tourists are kept safe while the country’s economic activity resumes. In particular, organizers of Expo 2020 have put in place some specific rules and restrictions to minimize the effect of the pandemic.

First of all, a coronavirus vaccination is obligatory for all attendees entering the site, as well as the workforce operating at the event. It is worth noting that the vaccination should be recognized by visitors’ national governments. In addition, guests are required to take a PCR test 72 hours before entering Expo 2020. For the utmost convenience of visitors, a testing facility can be found right next to the exposition site. Secondly, thermal cameras are installed at Expo 2020 to check the temperature of each guest coming in. Of course, social distancing is in place as well, of at least six feet, along with wearing face masks. In fact, dining areas, parks and other places reserved for activities have markings on the ground indicating the distance attendees must maintain. The venue is constantly being cleaned and sanitized, and there are hand sanitizers to be found at various points across the site.

All passengers arriving to Dubai from any point of origin are obliged to have a negative PCR test certificate, taken no more than 72 hours prior to the time of departure. Certificates have to be printed in English or Arabic and must also contain a valid QR code. Those staying in Dubai also have to make sure they have medical travel insurance with international coverage, which includes treatment of COVID 19. It is also highly likely that you will be asked to take another PCR test on arrival. If you decide to take it at the airport, then you will have to remain in your hotel/residence until you obtain the test results.

The short-stay property market is poised for growth as we enter the winter season and visitor numbers rise during Expo 2020. For instance, Dubai hotels have recorded a 67.2% surge in occupancy rates. Normally, a PCR test is not required when moving into a short-term rental property or a hotel, however, it is recommended to prepare beforehand in case a landlord or a hotel manager will ask for ions on arrival. The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is responsible for regulating short-term rentals. When renting a property for the short term, the most you need is a copy of your passport. In addition to paying a required rental fee, a tenant has to pay a Tourism Dirham Fee, whether staying in a hotel or in a holiday home. This is charged for a maximum of 30 consecutive nights, and it will not be applied to nights beyond the established period of time. Moreover, the fee is to be paid before the 16th day of the month through cash deposit, by cheque or by electronic bank transfers to the bank account specified by DTCM. The Tourist Dirham Fee is calculated for each night based on the classification of the property/hotel (Standard or Deluxe), ranging from AED 7 (USD 1.91) to AED 20 (USD 5.45) per night stayed.