The UAE also announced three categories of destinations for citizens and residents wanting to travel abroad

UAE sets conditions for travel to select destinations from June 23

Dr Amna Al Dhahak, spokeswoman for the UAE health sector, has clarified that the new rules easing restrictions on the elderly and children under 12 only applies to the emirate of Dubai. "Adults up to the age of 70 can enter malls, but the lower age limit of children under 12 is still in force for other emirates," she said.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokesperson for the UAE government, said: "We should continue protecting ourselves through adhering to the precautionary measures, boost our immune system through health lifestyles-including balanced diets and exercise, protect our families and community and to take care of family members or anyone who have chronic diseases."

The UAE also announced three categories of destinations for citizens and residents wanting to travel abroad from June 23 and specified conditions for travelers.

Dr Seif Al Dhaheri, spokesperson from the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, said in a virtual press briefing on Wednesday that countries that are allowed for Emiratis to travel to are split into three categories: low-risk where everyone can travel, medium risk (travel for specific purposes) and high-risk countries (no travel).

The mandatory conditions that travelers must adhere to before travelling include: UAE residents/citizens will have to register for the Twajudi service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, people cannot travel unless they are Covid-19 negative, they must have international health insurance and should abide by the precautionary measures at the airport.

"Individuals with temperature more than 38ºC will be isolated; those with symptoms will not be allowed to travel," said Al Dhaheri.

"Travelers will have to fill in a health application and pledge that they will adhere to all requirements, and not travel anywhere else that they haven't declared. If you fall sick in the destination country, you will inform the UAE embassy/consulate there."

Highlighting the conditions to adhere to while returning to the UAE, the officials said travelers must wear face masks and gloves all the time, carry a travel file, including health status and ID cards, and should download the AlHosn app.

Returnees will also undergo a 14-day home quarantine or for seven days if one is returning from low-risk countries. If they belong to the vital sectors and if home quarantine is not possible, travelers can opt for hotel quarantine.

"There are specific measures for certain categories of people like students, diplomats, those in essential jobs," he said.

UAE'S TRAVEL GUIDELINES FOR CITIZENS & RESIDENTS

• Before leaving the UAE

1. Register with Twajudi

2. Ensure you meet all requirements of the destination: Pre-travel check-up, health insurance,          

    quarantine, tracking programme/apps

3. Follow guidelines and precautions at the airport and in the aircraft

4. Fill out the traveler's health status form

5. Complete a medical check before departure

6. Register through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) website in order to travel 

    outside the UAE

7. People over 70 are not allowed to travel. Those with chronic diseases are discouraged to travel

• At the destination

1. Follow local guidelines and measures for Covid-19

2. Self-monitoring for Covid-19 symptoms

3. UAE citizens must notify the UAE embassy in destination country if you experience any symptoms

4. If you experience any symptoms, head to the nearest medical centre for emergency testing

• Upon returning to the UAE

1. Follow the federal and local guidelines for Covid-19

2. Download and activate the AlHosn App

3. Follow UAE quarantine guidelines and testing procedures which vary depending on the destination the traveler is returning from