UAE Bids Goodbye to Pandemic-Related Restrictions: Middle East Travel Roundup

The United Arab Emirates government on Sunday announced the lifting of all precautionary measures implemented in the country during Covid-19. With the lifting of restrictions, wearing of masks has now been made optional in all open and closed facilities, including places of worship and mosques. However, those categorized as "people of determination" would be required to wear mask while visiting health facilities and centers. The Al Hosn app would now only be required to furnish proof of vaccination and for test results inside and outside the country, when required. The green pass on the app would no longer be required to enter public facilities and sites. The requirement of a polymerase chain reaction test would also no longer be made mandatory for those attending or participating at sporting events. The authorities said they have decided to ease the restrictions after studying the epidemiological situation in the country and having monitored occupancy rates in hospitals and intensive care for Covid cases.

A World Cup match ticket would no longer be necessary to secure entry into Qatar from December 2. However, visitors would still need to apply for and carry Hayya Card before traveling to Qatar. The Hayya Card is an ID that serves as an entry permit to Qatar and also provides stadium access along with the match tickets.

Tourism development company DM Development signed a memorandum of understanding with German integrated property management provider Apleona, to establish the first destination for recreational health tourism in Egypt and the Middle East atAin Sokhna Al Galala. With investments estimated at $12 million, the health destination will be located in the retail area in The Groove Sokhna Resort and will come with a private hotel attached to it. The project targets to attract around 29,000 tourists annually