A genral view of the Abu Dhabi city. File/ AFP

The ban covers all Abu Dhabi residents, including UAE nationals. Exemptions are available by special permit for employees in vital sectors, chronic disease patients visiting hospitals and the transportation of necessary goods.

Movement within each region is allowed in line with National Sterilisation Programme hours.

This step aims to enhance the effectiveness of the National Screening Programme, in line with a series of precautionary and preventative measures being taken to reduce contact, curb the spread of Covid-19, and protect the health and safety of all community members.

The authorities said, “To apply for a permit visit https://es.adpolice.gov.ae/en/movepermit”

In line with the National Screening Programme, Abu Dhabi Emergency and Crisis Committee for the COVID-19 pandemic, in collaboration with Department of Health, has eased some restrictions on activities in the emirate, including raising the capacity in malls and restaurants inside malls to 40%.

Hotel beaches, restaurants outside malls and museums are also allowed to re-open with a capacity of 40%. Public beaches remain closed.

Individual outdoor sports practiced in open spaces, such as horse riding, cricket, cycling, golf, sailing and racquet sports, are also now allowed for people aged 12-60, starting from Monday 1 June.