Dubai opens up to tourists from July 7

The government of Dubai announced on Sunday (June 21) that Dubai Airports would start welcoming tourists and visitors from July 7.

The announcement came after a closure of more than three months to contain the coronavirus or Covid-19.

"Dubai to welcome tourists from July 7," the emirate's media centre said, quoting the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management. It also gave a list of protocols for travellers entering the Gulf emirate.

"Travellers must stringently comply with preventive measures and safety procedures put in place by Dubai and destination countries," the report said.

Tourists are "required to present recent Covid-19 negative certificate or undergo testing at Dubai airports" it said, with those testing positive to observe a 14-day isolation.

A test for coronavirus is mandatory and should be done 96 hours before travelling to Dubai, the report said.

Visitors are also required to have international health insurance and download a special phone application that lists their details, as well as fill a special "health declaration form", it added.

Dubai also announced that citizens and residents would be allowed to travel abroad from Tuesday (June 23).

Nearly 45,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported and 302 patients died so far the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dhaka/AI