UAE health bosses have clarified new event restrictions coming into force across the country. Punters attending events must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide a negative result PCR test taken within 48 hours. To gain event entry, citizens, residents and tourists must show an ‘E’ letter on the Al Hosn app. Face masks must be worn and social distancing measures will still apply. Coming into effect on Sunday 6 June, the new restrictions apply across cultural, sports, social and art events and exhibitions.
Dr. Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson of the UAE Health Sector, confirmed the Covid-19 precautionary measures for events. Dubai introduced a ‘no vaccine – no entry rule’ for bars and events in the Emirate earlier this month. The UAE federal government has now confirmed that a negative PCR test is also required to attend events. Maximum attendance at indoor events in Dubai is capped at 1500 and 2500 for outdoor events.
Vaccine Roll Out
The new measures come as the UAE continues to vigorously roll out its vaccination programme. The country is leading the world in terms of the distribution rate of Covid-19 vaccine doses for every 100 persons. At the time of writing, almost 12.3 million jabs had been administered, with a vaccine distribution rate of 124.31 doses per 100 people. Over 78% of the country’s eligible population over 16 have received the vaccine.
Mixed Reactions
The UAE’s insistence for punters to be fully vaccinated, present a negative PCR test, wear a face mask and socially distance at events prompted mixed reactions among iamCrü readers.
“It’s a bit excessive,” said Brendan Courtney. “If someone is vaccinated and has a negative PCR test, that should be enough. I wouldn’t go to a concert where I still have to wear a mask and socially distance. What’s the point when I can go to a bar with friends, remove my mask and not need to bother with a PCR test. I’d avoid gigs with all these new restrictions.”
Crying Out
“I’ll take what I can get,” said Michael Fletcher. “So many people are crying out for live music again. I’d rather be at a socially distanced event than no event at all. It’s all about the music, after all. No-one knows when we will go back to normal so if this is what I have to do, then so be it. I see it as a step closer to getting back to normal.”
Bubble
“I agree with safety precautions and maximum avoidance of risk,” said Ivan Bahchevanov, aka DJ Milko Moustache. “However, events and concerts need a certain amount of normality to make sense to attendees. Attending an opera performance is a vastly different experience to jumping about at a rock concert. PCR testing will increase the cost and social distancing and masks will distort the live event experience. Yes, creating a proper safety zone is a must. But once inside the event bubble everyone should feel at ease to enjoy the event properly.
“I don’t think there is a one-size fits all correct answer here,” added Ivan. “Ideally, event restrictions would be tailored according to the type of event to provide an as close to normal experience. The events industry needs to fire up safely so everyone involved can get back to earning a living. However, from a party-goer’s perspective, I’d rather wait until the restrictions slacken off instead of taking part in some kind of modulated, forcefully restrained imitation.”
Expense
“I have mixed feelings,” said Sara Rafaghello. “The new measures make me feel safe and I’m really pleased to see events in Dubai kick back into life after such a long break. I am more than happy to wear as mask and show my vaccination certificate. However, doing a PCR test every time at my own expense puts me off. It definitely take the spontaneity out of going to events too.”
Cautious
“After the spike in Covid cases in January, it makes sense for the authorities to be super cautious,” said Darren Haynes. “That said, I would rather wait until there was no social distancing in place and enjoy a proper gig atmosphere. I would need to be a huge fan of whoever was playing to go and see them under these new rules. Hopefully the new event restrictions won’t be in place too long though.”
Photos: Aditya Chinchure and Louise Comer/Unsplash
Also read: ‘No Vaccine – No Entry’ Rule as Dubai Eases Entertainment Restrictions
