Watch: Abu Dhabi Police leave border checkpoint in convoy as testing rules lifted

Commuters no longer need to stop at the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border to show proof of a negative PCR test

Abu Dhabi Police depart a border checkpoint used for coronavirus checks, 15 months months after it was first put in place. Photo: Abu Dhabi TV / Instagram

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A checkpoint between Abu Dhabi and Dubai that was used for coronavirus checks was removed just after midnight on Sunday.

Police led a convoy of vehicles back to the capital, with emergency lights flashing.

Abu Dhabi Police thanked the public for their co-operation but emphasised "the need to continue to adhere to the precautionary measures to continue recovering from the pandemic".

A video broadcast by Abu Dhabi TV showed dozens of vehicles passing through what had been the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border checkpoint in the Sieh Shuaib-Ghantoot area.

Officials said the decision was made after the recent drop in cases in Abu Dhabi. As of last week, just 0.2 per cent of people tested were found to have the coronavirus.

Since July 2, 2020, anyone driving into Abu Dhabi has had to show police at the border proof of a recent PCR test.

Nationwide, cases have dropped significantly, to as few as 500 a day. Last week, the government said 80 per cent of the population were fully vaccinated.

Green pass needed to enter public places in Abu Dhabi

Although people entering Abu Dhabi from Dubai no longer need to show a test result, they are still required to have the 'green status' on the Al Hosn app to enter many public places.

Security staff at public buildings, malls, restaurants and venues will check that entrants have a green pass.

People who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus remain green as long as they have a PCR test once every 30 days.

The UAE's Al Hosn app acts as a health pass to secure entry to public buildings, malls, education facilities, restaurants and venues in Abu Dhabi. All photos by Khushnam Bhandari / The National

Signs at Khalidiyah Mall inform customers about the current 'green pass' entry rules. People are required to have the 'green status' on the Al Hosn app to enter many public places.

People who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus remain green as long as they have a PCR test once every 30 days.

People who are unvaccinated must be tested every three days to remain green.

People will be required to show their vaccination status before entering public buildings.

This 'green status' system is only in place in Abu Dhabi.

To maintain vaccinated status on the Al Hosn app, a third booster dose must be taken six months after the second dose has been administered.

The new rules apply to citizens, residents and tourists.

Signs at the entrance to Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi inform people to show proof of vaccination upon entry.

A widespread media campaign informed members of the public about the new requirements.