For the first time in 18 months, cinemas, shopping malls and other entertainment spots and venues across the UAE can return to full capacity from today.
Restrictions were first announced in early 2020 due to Covid-19. Over the past year, there has been a slow easing of the rules as case numbers stabilised in the Emirates.
Earlier this month, after announcing the imminent lift on capacity limits, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (Ncema), said there is no change to the use of masks, which are required by law in all indoor and outdoor public places nationwide.
Additionally, it is up to each emirate to set their own capacity limits and lift or amend rules as they deem fit.
Here, The National explains where the biggest changes will be seen.
Cinemas
As per the new rules, cinemas can now utilise all seats within a theatre for the first time since the World Health Organisation declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic.
From today, cinemas can remove the cardboard cut outs placed on seats that were used to ensure social distancing.
As such, viewers may find themselves sat directly next to another person.
Visitors are not required to show proof of vaccination or green status on the Al Hosn app, but if management ask to see proof, then visitors must comply. Mask wearing is also a must at all times.
So, during your next visit to see that latest blockbuster, it is likely you will sit side by side with people who aren’t in your group, marking the long-awaited return of the real cinema experience again.
Stadiums
Similarly to cinemas, all seats within a sports stadium are now open for spectators to use.
Before, venues used tape or cardboard cut outs to restrict crowding within the stands and keep seating off limits.
The UAE Football Association said entry will only be permitted to people aged 12 and over who have a green status on the Al Hosn app.
Spectators must also provide proof they have received a negative PCR test result in the past 96 hours and a mask must be worn at all times.
Mosques
Social distancing in mosques and other places of worship has now been reduced to one metre.
Ncema will closely monitor the situation throughout February and said it will either maintain or cancel social distancing between worshippers depending on how the new rules play out.
Make sure you have the Al Hosn app
The Al Hosn app was originally designed to track and trace contact with Covid-19 cases, but its remit has broadened to support the country's nationwide vaccination drive.
The app allows the user to show proof of a coronavirus vaccine or a recent test.
While few Dubai venues use the app, Abu Dhabi uses it for access to many public places and buildings. Some of the Northern Emirates use the app for access to events.
Green status can be secured by fully vaccinated people who have received two doses of any approved Covid-19 vaccine in the UAE.
It requires a booster shot six months after a second shot to stay active.
A PCR test taken every 14 days maintains green status.
50 things to see at Expo before it ends: in pictures
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Expo 2020 Dubai will finish on March 31, 2022. Here are 50 things to do at the world fair between now and then. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai. -
The Singapore Pavilion at Expo is a must-visit. Reuters -
From the inside and outside, Switzerland Pavilion is worth exploring. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The spectacle of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion is clearly visible from the outside. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The Spain Pavilion's striking architecture serves as a metaphor for the cultural links between Spain and the Arab world. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The fascinating past of ancient Egypt is the central focus of the country’s Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
It's more than just about Thai food at Long Chim restaurant in Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Long Chim -
Alkebulan African Dining Hall at Expo 2020 Dubai is putting the focus on an as-yet untapped cuisine. Photo: Alkebulan African Dining Hall -
Sushiro is in the Japan Pavilion restaurant at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Bread Ahead, a British concept that specialises in doughnuts and gluten-free sourdough breads, is a must-try at Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Burgers, such as this DM Burger, are among the popular offerings at Adrift Burger Bar in Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Josh Telles -
Children and grown-ups alike love the Expo 2020 Dubai Water Feature. Reuters -
There's an impressive light show every evening at Al Wasl Dome, the world's largest 360-degree projection dome. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Jubilee Park is where all the best performances take place. Victor Besa / The National -
The Expo 2020 entry portals were designed by British architect Asif Khan. -
Al Wasl Dome is visible from almost every room in Rove Expo 2020, the only hotel at the site. -
Take a look inside Expo 2020's Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub and its various facilities. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
A bike tour around Expo 2020 Dubai is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Victor Besa / The National -
At Emirates Airlines’ futuristic pavilion, visitors get the chance to design their own aircraft. Wam -
Go up 55 metres on this 360-degree observation tower and enjoy sweeping views of Expo 2020 on Garden in the Sky. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Expo 2020 passport is a must-have for visitors. Go around the pavilions and collect those passport stamps before it's too late. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Kaleidoscope presents Dodecalis Luminarium by Architects of Air: a dazzling immersive art installation at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Created by British artist Mat Collishaw and curated by the cultural agency Futurecity, the work 'Equinox' has been commissioned by Expo 2020 Dubai specifically to be shown in Terra. Photo: Mahmoud Khaled / Expo 2020 -
'A point in time' by Khalil Rabah enlarged 11th-century implements used for determining location. Look closely: a small black circule below the gold-coloured spindle shows Dubai on the map the objects create. Photo: Thorsten Arendt -
'Garden' by Hamra Abbas, the artist's marble recreation of a garden, used five tonnes of lapis lazuli. Photo: Roman Mensing -
Faissal El Malak and Alia bin Omair's 'Nahel' fountain features motifs of humankind, nature and technology connecting in harmony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
With popular restaurants in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Lebanese spot Iris Lounge has become a firm favourite at Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National -
One of the liveliest late-night spots at Expo 2020 is, unsurprisingly, The Irish Village at Jubilee Park. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Expo 2020’s resident sports lounge Garden on 1, found at the Mobility District, offers regular themed nights such as curry night and quiz night, regular drinks deals, and shows the biggest sporting events. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Jubilee Mixology bar overlooks Al Wasl Dome, which features the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface. Pawan Singh / The National -
Everyone’s a local at this Australian corner, which has proved a firm favourite with Expo 2020 visitors. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Once a month, experience a Khaleeji-led jam session at Jubilee Stage in the form of Jalsat Nights. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Specially created for Expo 2020 Dubai by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, the all-female Firdaus Orchestra features musicians from 23 nationalities across the Arab world, with some as young as 15. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The monthly Infinite Nights concert series takes place at Al Wasl Plaza and is streamed to a global audience. Past acts that have performed so far include Kadim Al Sahir, Nancy Ajram and Ragheb Alama, Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas, with two more to come. -
Emirati composer Mohammed Fairouz has composed music for the Al Wasl Opera. Every week or two, a student choir takes to the Jubilee Stage for a series of 30-minute concerts where they perform extracts from Al Wasl Opera. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
A 10-minute light show takes place daily at the China Pavilion. It's a must-see. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Hammour House is a community art project that is popular among children. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
A child plays at Latifa's Adventures playground, a great spot for families during a visit to Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The indoor slide at the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is very popular among children and families. -
No visit to Expo 2020 Dubai is complete without interacting with a robot. Victor Besa / The National -
The carousel in the Mobility District at Expo 2020 Dubai is a great stop for children. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
An exhibition focusing on the work of French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier will open at Expo on February 28. AFP -
The know-how of the Piemonte region will be highlighted in a showcase at the Italian pavilion. Photo: Andrea Rapuzzi -
The Colombia Pavilion will host a multimedia installation called The Infinitos. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister for Culture and Youth, at the Kosovo Pavilion, home to a permanent collection of artworks that traces the country’s culture and history. Photo: Ministry of Culture and Youth -
The New Zealand Pavilion features a digital Art Wall curated by the country’s national museum. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
At the Swiss pavilion, you’re instantly transported to the Alps thanks to an indoor mountainscape. AP Photo -
Experience indoor rain at the Netherlands Pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Don't miss the Sky Market at the Singapore Pavilion, an open, multipurpose deck. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
There's a ball pit and swings at the Germany Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Robot bartender Yanu makes mocktails at the Estonia Pavilion. Photo: Estonia Pavilion
