Abu Dhabi eases coronavirus lockdown, allowing people to leave for first time in weeks
Abu Dhabi had imposed a ban on people entering or leaving the city without permission.
2 min read
Abu Dhabi has lifted a curfew designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus in the UAE capital, allowing people on Wednesday to leave the city for the first time in two weeks.
Previously only essential workers and travellers with permits could leave the UAE capital, but now residents can depart Abu Dhabi without official permission, authorities announced on Tuesday evening.
Residents and citizens will also be allowed to travel between the Abu Dhabi emirate's cities, including Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
Entry into the emirate will still require a permit from Abu Dhabi police, the local Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee for the Covid-19 Pandemic authority announced on Twitter.
Abu Dhabi's travel ban came into force on 2 June, initally for a week but then was extended.
The emirate has launched a major testing drive for Covid-19 following an outbreak of the disease in the UAE.
Lockdowns in the UAE have had a devastating impact on local business, particularly Dubai which is reliant on its service industries.
Dubai has since eased lockdown restrictions in a bid to spur economic activity, but there are concerns about a possible second wave of the virus.
Abu Dhabi is preparing to re-open restaurants and cafes with authorities on Wednesday issuing strict guidelines on social distancing measures that need to be enforced by businesses.
The UAE has seen nearly 43,000 recorded cases of Covid-19 and 293 deaths resulting from the disease.
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Previously only essential workers and travellers with permits could leave the UAE capital, but now residents can depart Abu Dhabi without official permission, authorities announced on Tuesday evening.
Residents and citizens will also be allowed to travel between the Abu Dhabi emirate's cities, including Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
Entry into the emirate will still require a permit from Abu Dhabi police, the local Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee for the Covid-19 Pandemic authority announced on Twitter.
Abu Dhabi's travel ban came into force on 2 June, initally for a week but then was extended.
The emirate has launched a major testing drive for Covid-19 following an outbreak of the disease in the UAE.
Lockdowns in the UAE have had a devastating impact on local business, particularly Dubai which is reliant on its service industries.
Dubai has since eased lockdown restrictions in a bid to spur economic activity, but there are concerns about a possible second wave of the virus.
Abu Dhabi is preparing to re-open restaurants and cafes with authorities on Wednesday issuing strict guidelines on social distancing measures that need to be enforced by businesses.
The UAE has seen nearly 43,000 recorded cases of Covid-19 and 293 deaths resulting from the disease.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected