The UAE has eased travel restrictions to allow more than three people to travel in a car if they are from the same family.
Col Saif Al Mazrouei, director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said family members and first-degree relatives were exempt from the restriction imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“Dealing with a vehicle’s passengers who are from the same family will be different from that involving people who are not related,” he said.
“This comes to boost family ties and to avoid leaving children home alone.”
Dubai Police clarified the rule after a similar announcement was made by police in Abu Dhabi.
On March 23, the Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority urged the public to use their own cars, with a maximum of three people allowed in a vehicle, including the driver.
A fine of Dh1,000 could be issued if more than three people who are not from the same family are found to be in one car.
Col Al Mazrouei said drivers were exempt from wearing a face mask if they were travelling alone.
But masks must be worn if there are at least two people in the same vehicle.
“We trust the public to follow precautionary measures, mainly maintaining social distance and avoiding any gatherings for the safety of all,” he said.
-
Shoppers with face masks and gloves to protect against Covid-19, in Abu Dhabi's Mussafah 32 area. Victor Besa / The National -
Abdul Aziz, a watch salesman at the City Night gift shop, Mussafah 32, wears a mask as protection against Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National -
Staff and customers with face masks at a mobile phone shop at Mussafah 32. Victor Besa / The National -
A mobile phone shop customer at Mussafah 32 area. Victor Besa / The National -
A barrier along the Baniyas road entrance to the quarantined Al Ras area in Deira, Dubai, early in the pandemic. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Dubai's Al Ras area was locked down for almost a month in April 2020 and widespread testing conducted, due to concerns about potential cases in the area. Antonie Robertson/The National -
A sign makes Covid-19 instructions clear, as a passenger waits for a train on the Dubai Metro. AP Photo -
Pedestrians walk through a traditional Dubai souq where many shops had closed temporarily due to Covid-19, early in the pandemic. AP Photo -
Passengers adhere to social distancing as they enter a train on the Dubai Metro. AFP -
Dubai Metro passengers keep a safe distance. AFP -
The barrier along the Baniyas Road entrance to the quarantined Al Ras area in Deira, Dubai, in April 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Staff working on an ICU ward treating Covid-19 patients, at the Prime Hospital, in Al Garhoud, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
