A view of the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Abu Dhabi Crisis, Emergencies and Disasters Committee has announced that the emirate will start welcoming tourists from Dec.24.

The committee said following the successes achieved by implementing the precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining a low rate of confirmed cases, Abu Dhabi will welcome back international tourists from 24 December 2020.

A man explores the Empty Quarter in Abu Dhabi.

The authorities said all travellers must take a PCR test on day six of entry into Abu Dhabi for those staying for six consecutive days or more, and on day 12 for those staying for 12 consecutive days or more.

The list of 'green' countries and further information is available at http://visitAbuDhabi.ae

The Committee has approved increasing the operational capacity of economic, tourism and entertainment activities to the possible optimal in accordance with the approved precautionary measures.

These include shopping and entertainment centres, restaurants and nurseries.

The committee has approved procedures for all UAE citizens and residents entering the emirate, including returning residents, from Dec.24.

Citizens and residents must take a PCR or DPI test to enter Abu Dhabi.

The Committee has also extended the validity of a negative PCR or DPI test result used to enter the emirate from 48 to 72 hours.

They must then take a PCR test on day six from entry, when staying six or more consecutive days – or be liable for fines.

Volunteers in the National Vaccination Programme and Phase III clinical trials who have an identification mark (letter E or golden star) on Alhosn app are exempt from these measures and are authorised to use emergency vehicle lanes when entering Abu Dhabi for a smooth journey.

Tourists take an aerial tour of Abu Dhabi. AFP

The Committee approved periodic screening programmes for residents of industrial zones and highly populated areas, and the employees of commercial activities, as well as increasing the capacity of SEHA testing centres outside Abu Dhabi and closing testing centres at entry points.

The Committee has approved reducing the quarantine period for those who have been in contact with a positive case to 10 days only, provided a PCR test is taken on day 8 with a negative result.

The Committee has approved exempting from quarantine participants in the National Vaccination Programme and Phase III of the vaccine clinical trials who have active icons on Alhosn app, as previously announced.