People travelling to Abu Dhabi from other emirates in the UAE have expressed happiness towards the removal of green pass status on Al Hosn app requirement to enter the emirate with effect from Monday.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has also removed the use of EDE facial scanners at the border entry points to rapidly detect positive cases.

Community members stated that these relaxations serve as positive indicators that the country is returning to normalcy after the pandemic crisis. A majority of them have noted that they would continue to perform COVID-19 PCR testing as green pass status is still required to enter public places, malls, shopping centres, hotels and federal buildings in Abu Dhabi.

However, they have expressed excitement towards enjoying a non-stop ride to Abu Dhabi through the border. It will further boost travel optimism and result in positive economic growth in the country.

Speaking in this regard, Shafeek Abdul Raheem, Abu Dhabi-based bakery owner who regularly travels across the country, said he will be able to save travel time with these relaxations.

“I didn’t mind the border checks as they were for our safety. However, you lose time on it. You stop, show the app and then resume your journey. And now the Covid-19 cases are dipping, such relaxation makes sense. Even the other measures being eased, including the mask rules and PCR test for travel, will boost the morale of the business community, especially small players like us," he noted.

Abdallah Adel, an Egyptian trader based in Dubai, is elated with the removal of border measures.

“Yes, it’s a relaxed drive-thru now at the border. No hassle of stopping. Even earlier, it was an easy process at the border. The officers were swift with their checks. But you would still be taking the PCR. It’s ok. We are slowly going back to normal,” Adel added.

Thiwanka Ishara, a Sri Lankan expat working in a restaurant in Abu Dhabi, welcomed the decision, noting that people will be able to freely travel and save time.

“The border checks and screening requirements defined Abu Dhabi’s fight against the pandemic in the last couple of months. Even though for our safety, the border checks did act as a deterrent for some people against travelling to Abu Dhabi, especially those coming here for leisure. It’s a good move for the businesses too," he said.

The updated entry relaxations will be effective from February 28, Monday. 

SOURCE: Khaleej Times

LINK: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus/covid-in-uae-change-in-abu-dhabi-entry-rules-drives-optimism