Abu Dhabi removes Saudi Arabia from ‘green list’, destinations cut to 10

Saudi Arabia and Mongolia have been removed Abu Dhabi’s ‘green list’ of destinations, effective from February 23, 2021.

Passengers arriving from the green list are exempt from mandatory quarantine measures after landing in Abu Dhabi and will only be required to undergo PCR testing upon arrival at Abu Dhabi Airport.

The number of countries on the list, currently at 10, was previously cut to 12 destinations on February 7 from 17 earlier.

Countries, regions, and territories included within the ‘green list’ will be regularly updated based on international development, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) said.

The list also only applies to countries passengers are arriving from rather than citizenship.

“Inclusion in the list is subject to strict criteria of health and safety to ensure the well-being of the UAE community,” a statement said.

Saudi Arabia removal from the list comes even as the kingdom has seen a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in recent weeks. It has imposed strict restrictions across the country, including suspending all entertainment activities and events and closing down cinemas, gyms and sports centres. Dine-in services at restaurants and cafes have also been banned with only delivery permitted.

Read: Saudi extends Covid-19 restrictions; gyms, cinemas to remain closed for another 20 days

Abu Dhabi’s updated green list as of February 23, 2021

Australia
Bhutan
Brunei
China
Greenland
Hong Kong (SAR)
Iceland
Mauritius
New Zealand
Singapore

DCT Abu Dhabi said it will continue to issue updates on the list and overall travel status in the coming months.

Abu Dhabi reopened to international tourists on December 24, 2020. All visitors must present a negative PCR test result and take a second PCR test upon entering the capital.

Last month, the emirate announced that those arriving from ‘green’ countries must take a PCR test on arrival and on day six, without the need to quarantine.

Also read: Abu Dhabi: Nurseries, schools to face penalties upto Dhs250,000 for flouting Covid-19 protocols