Covid-19 Updates

Please note that that matters covered by this advisory are subject to ongoing review. Before making any plans, readers are strongly recommended to check the relevant Government websites for the most recent information.

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What We Know So Far About The Coronavirus

10 June 2020

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WHO Guidelines - Do's and Dont's of Wearing a Facemask

10 June 2020

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Tips for Employees returning to Work

10 June 2020

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How to Build Your Immunity

06 June 2020

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COVID-19: Self-Care Guide

06 June 2020

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New Guidelines on Use of Face Masks

06 June 2020

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COVID-19: No More Quarantine for Inbound Passengers at Pakistan Airports

05 June 2020

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The 7 Most Valuable Career Skills Right Now, According to UAE HR Experts

05 June 2020

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Fraud Alert: Beware of Frauds and Scams (Urdu)

04 June 2020

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Stranded Residents Warned Not to Book Tickets to Return to the UAE Without ICA Approval

02 June 2020

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Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi Prevents Movement To and From The Emirate for One Week From 2 June 2020

02 June 2020

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Fraud Alert: Beware of Frauds and Scams (Arabic)

31 May 2020

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Pakistan Consulate in Dubai Warns Against Online Payment for Repatriation Flights

29 May 2020

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Coronavirus: Read This if you Work in Dubai but Live in Another Emirate

29 May 2020

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COVID-19 Visa Extension: For How Long is your UAE Visa Valid?

28 May 2020

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Coronavirus: What Dubai and Abu Dhabi Residents Can and Can't Do From May 27

27 May 2020

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UAE Fights Coronavirus: New Initiative to Fund Abu Dhabi Expats’ Treatment for Chronic Diseases

22 May 2020

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Eid 2020: The Do’s and Dont’s of Celebrating Eid Al Fitr During the COVID-19 Pandemic

22 May 2020

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Updated Schedule of Violations and Fines

22 May 2020

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Fraud Alert: Beware of Frauds and Scams

22 May 2020

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Gratuity Payments for Terminated Employees in the Context of COVID-19

22 May 2020

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COVID-19: Latest Disinfection Drive Timings and Fines in the UAE Explained

20 May 2020

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Step-by-Step Guide for UAE Residents Stranded Abroad to Apply for Return Travel

20 May 2020

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Coronavirus: UAE Allows Return of Residents Stranded Outside Country

20 May 2020

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COVID-19: India Repatriation Flights

11 May 2020

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COVID-19: UAE and Pakistan Cooperate to Operate Special Flights for Stranded People

10 May 2020

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COVID-19: All the Online Consultations You Can Get for Free in the UAE

08 May 2020

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171 Tawasul: Frequently Asked Questions

08 May 2020

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WHO Guideline: Coping with Stress During the 2019-nCoV Outbreak

07 May 2020

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Looking After Your Teeth: Access to Dental Care During COVID-19

07 May 2020

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Getting your Workplace Ready for COVID-19: How COVID-19 Spreads

02 May 2020

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WHO Guideline: Helping Children Cope with Stress During the 2019-nCoV Outbreak

02 May 2020

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Safe Ramadan Practices in the Context of the COVID-19

30 April 2020

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Reopening Dubai Sectors Guide

27 April 2020

Guidelines & Protocols for Reopening: All businesses must take the necessary measures and precautions to be in compliance with the guidelines & protocols detailed in this document, prior to re- opening and continue to do so on resuming their operations.

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Coronavirus Salary Cut? How to Save Every Dirham on Shopping and Living in the UAE

27 April 2020

Coronavirus salary cut? How to save every dirham on shopping and living in the UAE: Tips on how to save on your rent, groceries, energy bill and school fees.

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Disposable & Homemade Masks

26 April 2020

This document provides guidance on the use of non-medical disposable masks and/or cloth face coverings.

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Are Pregnant Women More Vulnerable to COVID-19?

26 April 2020

Are pregnant women more vulnerable to COVID-19? The Dubai Health Authority posted a new guideline on Instagram; COVID-19; The DHA lists precautions pregnant women can take, and clarifies misconceptions.

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Where Are the COVID-19 Test Centres in the UAE And How You Can Book a Test

23 April 2020

The UAE has set up numerous COVID-19 (Coronavirus) test centres throughout the country, in addition to testing facilities at various Government healthcare facilities. This is part of an effort to step up testing patients for COVID-19 in order to “flatten the curve” in the UAE.

Please click here to view the guideline.

Life at Home – Mental Well Being, Work and Children

18 April 2020

Mental Well Being

Coronavirus has caused global uncertainty and constant news about the pandemic can be overwhelming. What can we do to look after our mental well-being during such times.? Here are some tips:

Eat Well and Stay Hydrated

Think about your diet. Your appetite might change if your routine changes, or if you are less active than you usually are. Ensure that you have access to food and groceries, through online ordering. Have a back-up friend / family member who can bring food to you in case of an emergency. Try to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. If you are less active, you may need less food than your regular portion but always remember to drink lots of water to remain hydrated.

Decide on your Routine

Schedule your days in advance using a written list or even a whiteboard. Try to follow a routine as much as possible. Get up at the same time as usual, follow the morning routine that you have established and go to bed at your usual time. Set alarms to remind you of your new schedule if that helps. This also might be a chance to do things differently. For example, you could go to bed earlier, spend more time cooking, reading, exercising, or doing other things you don’t usually have time for.

Stay Connected

Make plans to phone or video chat with people or groups you would normally see in person. Keep connected via instant messages or texts. Sometimes you don’t even need to talk about things, you can simply share a meal over video chat, or even watch TV or read a book together.

Keep Active

If possible, build physical activity into your daily routine. Many of us may not have access to exercise equipment like treadmills, but there are still activities you can do. There are many shared videos online showing home exercises that can be done without equipment. You can also do things like cleaning your home, dancing to music, and walking up and down stairs, or in your yard or patio.

Take Care with News and Information

It is wise to stay connected with current events; however, you should be careful to make sure that you are using trusted sources of information like government websites. If you find yourself anxious due to the volume of information on social media and in the news, maybe take a break by watching a TV show or movie.

Limit the amount of time you spend reading or watching things which don’t make you feel better. Perhaps decide on a specific time to check the news.

Talk to your Children

Involving our family and children in our plans for good health is essential. We need to be alert to and ask children what they have heard about the outbreak and support them, without causing them alarm. We need to minimise the negative impact it has on our children and explain the facts to them.

If you are Feeling Claustrophobic or Trapped

Open the windows to let in fresh air or try sitting on your, balcony, patio, or in the garden if you have one. Try looking at the sky out of the window or from your front door. This can help to give you a sense of space. Regularly change the rooms you spend time in.

Working From Home

If you are new to working from home here are some tips and principles to follow which will help you manage being in the home environment for work and home life:

· Daily Routine

Try to maintain your morning routine – take a shower, get dressed, have breakfast and visualise yourself commuting to work.

· Dedicated Work Zone

If possible, try to find a place in your home that will be your dedicated workspace and ideally not in your bedroom. This will be where you will ‘go to work’ every day and will help distinguish from home space. Try and set yourself up where you can avoid distractions and get some natural light.

· Ergonomics and Breaks

Try to use a comfortable chair to support your body and take breaks: one good approach is to work for 45 minutes and then take a break to practice some mindfulness (e.g. meditation), do some housework, or talk to someone else.

· Move Your Body

Get moving - have standing video conference or telephone meetings, walk up and down the hallway, or on your patio or garden if yo9u have one. Schedule some time for exercise and yoga.

Communication is key: check in with your team members regularly, schedule virtual coffee breaks and remember everyone is experiencing this disruption in different ways.

Children at Home

An additional wrinkle to mental wellbeing and working from home, is that we now have our children with us during their school closures. Some of you may have experienced the challenge of working from home and having your child / children home due to illness or school holidays. This was normally for a defined period of time. Now, we have an indefinite situation, and for many of us, our children are now also working from home with online learning!

There are some approaches we can adopt that will give structure to our children’s lives and help us balance working and family time. Remember to be patient and kind in dealing with each other. Forgive mistakes and be flexible even when things don’t work out the way you planned. When things do get a bit tough, why not take 15 minutes to have a cup of tea and take a break to help you reset.

Here are some suggestions for what you can do to balance working from home with children at home as well:

· Communicate

Speak to your manager/ team about balancing childcare with work requirements; you may find working flexibly or reducing hours is how you will be able to manage the load.

· Plan your Schedules

Discuss your work patterns with partners/family members. Each day or each week, review your essential meetings and work deliverables and plan together the times that you each need to be work focused and who can be children focused. You could try working in 2 hour shifts for example. Being honest about what you can achieve running a home and delivering on work is not easy and sometimes things will slip. Getting through the priorities may be considered reasonable during time like this.

· Signage and Ground rules

Set ground rules with each other to not disturb each other at key times, for example during class lessons, or work meetings. Use a door sign to let each other know that you are busy. Give each other clarity on how long calls are likely to take – and ensure that your children are well managed (either with an in-house care giver and/or by keeping them occupied – see “Amazing Technology” below) during times where you may not be giving them your full attention.

· Establish a Family Routine with Work / Class Start and Stop Times

Involve your children in creating a daily and weekly timetable. This can be a fun activity for them and the family as a whole. You might also find it useful to create family rules and family values to help you all work together, support each other and play together while you are at home. Remember, set small specific goals or schedule a small number of activities and then add things in where you feel the need. That way, anything extra achieved is a win! No two days are going to work the same!

Maintain family dinner time to keep connected and use this as an opportunity to reflect on the day and discuss school work. Make sure to respect the start and stop times of school and work life.

· Amazing Technology

Use technology to your advantage! There are a range of child friendly documentaries on Netflix including the BBC Earth series with David Attenborough, or animated stories on Amazon Prime and TED-Ed talks for young children. Audible have announced that all their children’s audio books will be free to listen to.

· Exercise Together

There are many fitness instructors offering free daily workouts online. Your children may have PE class requirements, so perhaps you can work out together with your children. Find ways to challenge each other and to stay fit!

Now, more than ever, maintaining a work-life balance will be key to a healthy lifestyle and our wellbeing. It will also contribute to enjoying family life and bringing everyone together to get through this challenging time. Focus on the positives, don’t blame yourself if work doesn’t get done for a day or if the TV is on for longer than intended. These are extraordinary times and life won’t be perfect.

“Everybody makes mistakes. Never regret them, correct them. There’s no such thing as a perfect world or a perfect life.”

Ogden Lecture by His Highness The Aga Khan IV at Brown University in 2014

Now Get a Dubai Move Permit Once in 3 Days

17 April 2020

Coronavirus: Now get a Dubai move permit once in 3 days

DHA Explains How to Make Your Face Mask Effective

15 April 2020

DHA explains how to make your face mask effective. It is now mandatory for all residents to wear face masks in public.

How to Make You Face Mask Effective

Goverment Educational Relief Support - Abu Dhabi

15 April 2020

The Abu Dhabi Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an is currently accepting applications for Educational Relief Support. Ma’an can help with the provision of PC’s or tablets to assist impacted families with distance learning and help subsidise school or tuition fees. Application deadline is Thursday, 23 April 2020.

Application for Educational Support

FAQs for UAE Private Sector Employers and Employees

13 April 2020

As part of the precautionary measures taken to contain the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, the UAE Government requires private sector companies to implement work from home for a majority of their employees unless they are offering essential services and many businesses to close their doors temporarily.

In its efforts to provide private sector employers with innovative solutions, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (“MOHRE”), which governs the employer/employee relationship, issued Ministerial Resolution No. 279 of 2020 “Employment Stability in Private Sector During the Period of Application of Precautionary Measures to Curb the Spread of Novel Coronavirus” (the “Ministerial Resolution”). The Ministerial Resolution is effective from 26 March 2020 and will remain in place so long as the UAE Government is taking precautionary measures against the coronavirus. It is important to note that the Ministerial Resolution does not apply to UAE national employees.

Should you wish to discuss your particular matter, you may contact the Legal Matters Portfolio at [email protected]

Please click here to download the FAQs for UAE Private Sector Employers and Employees.

Specialised Permit to be Obtained from the Government

06 April 2020

Before leaving home you need to obtain a specialized permit. Here is how

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Specialised Permit Obtained by Government

Residential Tenants May be Able to Negotiate a Rent Reduction or Waiver With Their Landlords

01 April 2020

Commercial landlords have started to offer support by waiving rent for temporary periods to support businesses in the UAE during these unprecedented times. The Abu Dhabi and Dubai Governments have also temporarily suspended any eviction judgments relating to residential and commercial spaces in the Emirates for March and April 2020.

Due to the current situation, residential tenants may be able to negotiate a rent reduction or rent waiver from their landlords for a short period of time. Tenants should continue with their rental payments under their lease agreement until an agreement with the landlord has been reached to reduce or waive the rent.

If you require additional information and support, please email the Legal Advisory Team on [email protected]

Self-Quarantine Guide

27 March 2020

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Aga Khan Education Board Update

26 March 2020

During this global pandemic, many of our children are now engaged in learning from home or through e-learning as compared to a traditional classroom setting. This is an important step in ensuring that they do not fall behind in their learning and development journey.

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, good habits and a structured daily routine which helps parents and children set expectations and create positive energy during this challenging time.

Parents and children can work together to create a structured schedule which can include:

Wake up time
Prayer times
Academic time
Family fun activities
Outdoor activities to be in line with Government and safety regulations
Reading time
Combined family meals and chores
Bed time

While governments and schools are providing online learning resources and delivery, there may be children who require additional help or academic time. Here are some links to resources in multiple languages which can help your child to enhance their learning from home.

Early Childhood Development

Infants (0-1 years)

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

UAE Government Calls Upon Public to Stay Home Except for Absolute Necessity

24 March 2020

The UAE Government has called upon the public to stay at home except in cases of necessity, including getting essential supplies, such as food and medicine, or performing jobs.

The Community Leadership REQUESTS YOU TO COMPLY with the instructions issued by Health & Security Authorities, to ensure your safety and well-being and stay indoors.

For details, please refer to the following link: UAE government calls upon public to stay home except for absolute necessity

Aga Khan Economic Planning Board Economic Update

23 March 2020

As you are aware, the coronavirus outbreak has now affected almost every country around the world. From an economic standpoint, the impact of coronavirus has resulted in a period of significant uncertainty and volatility. It is highly likely that economic growth will slow down in the coming months. Given the prevailing environment, the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) for UAE would like to apprise the Jamat of the following:

Households

Avoid all unnecessary expenses at this time and monitor what you spend against what you earn; plan your expenses in a way that you increase your savings every month.
Avoid making new commitments until the economic outlook is clearer.
Speak to your landlord and seek rent waivers (1 to 3 months); where renewals are due, negotiate on contracts.
Ensure important documents such as wills, powers of attorney, insurance and medical papers are up to date and accessible.
Having health insurance could be critical in the weeks ahead. We advise you to ensure you have adequate coverage for yourselves and your dependents.
Maintain savings as a financial cushion against unexpected job or business loss. Now is a good time for families to create budgets if they do not have one, or review existing budgets to plan for the coming months.
The UAE government announced on 21 March 2020 some economic measures through the local commercial banks for customers. For details, please refer to the following link: Dubai banks announce business relief package for customers as part of support for UAE economy
Read newspapers regularly to be aware of the continuously changing local, regional and global environment.
School breaks could be extended further if the pandemic worsens. Working parents should explore options that would allow you to continue working from home.
Be cautious before making any short-term and speculative investments.

Businesses

As the pandemic spreads globally, consumer sentiment may weaken further. Those involved in sectors such as travel, hospitality, retail and F&B should prepare for reduced demand for their services for the foreseeable future.
Business owners should focus on cashflow as a priority and be financially prudent.
Speak to your landlord and seeks some rent waivers (1 to 3 months).
Call all suppliers and see if they will accept more flexible payment terms.
Speak to your bank to discuss your circumstances and see if they will be more accommodating on loans given the current economic situation and regional stimuli in place. On 21 March 2020, the UAE government announced some economic measures through the local commercial banks for businesses. For details please refer to the following link: Dubai banks announce business relief package for customers as part of support for UAE economy
Lower interest rates could constitute favourable news for those carrying debt on lines of credit, mortgages and floating rate loans. It will help ease the interest burden. Please speak to your bank to ensure that you are taking advantage of this.
Products from abroad may experience supply shortages and higher prices. If you are involved in trade, please consider disruptions in supplies and if possible, explore diversifying suppliers.

AKEPB is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to keep the Jamat informed of any further developments.

Message from the President of the Ismaili Council for the United Arab Emirates

21 March 2020

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Navroz Mubarak

These are indeed difficult times, we are currently in uncharted waters, our lives as we knew them have changed. We understand how unsettling the changes and uncertainties that we are all dealing with can be. However, I would like you to know that our institutions are working tirelessly to implement Government guidance and best practice.

Government Authorities are managing the crisis in our region very efficiently and prudently. The Director-General of the World Health Organization has praised the United Arab Emirate's continued support for global efforts aimed at tackling the spread of COVID-19.

Our Community Institutions are building capacity, we are working on regular updates to the.Ismaili UAE Microsite and we will soon launch a mobile application which will offer real-time regional updates. We will be announcing a Community support group that will monitor the situation, analyse developments and attempt to resolve issues impacting mental health and economic well-being within the Community.

We must seek to redirect our energies from anxiety to hope, conduct ourselves in a way that reduces fear, increases faith and re-orientates us towards the service of others.

Albert Einstein once said, "In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity." If we start viewing things around us through a lens of opportunity, we too will soon appreciate the positives; we are now spending more time at home with our loved ones and thus have greater opportunities to bond with family members.

Let us consider better utilising our time in the following ways:

Taking care of our health; taking the time to exercise for longer, there are classes that you can participate in through mobile applications from the comfort of your own home with no equipment at all.
Learning something new; there are plenty of online courses available, be it cooking or learning a new language, there is no time like the present.
Finishing that book which you are normally too tired to read before bedtime.
Taking some time to catch up and relax, watching that Netflix documentary which you never seem to find the time for or perhaps enjoying some thought leadership on YouTube.
Spending quality time with our elders, teaching them how to use technology to stay connected in our digital age.
Eating home cooked food with our loved ones, maybe even cooking together.
Acquiring knowledge and upgrading our skills.

These are real and rare opportunities in a unique time in our lives, seize them as the daily routine will return soon enough. Let us use the opportunity of these circumstances to help us develop and grow.

Someone once said, "Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain"

Be assured that you are not alone. We are all experiencing the same loss, it is temporary, and it will pass. Let us continue to remain strong and courageous in our faith.

Whilst we pray for a swift return to normality, let us pull together to support those around us who are less fortunate than ourselves. Keep faith in your soul, hope in your mind and love in your heart.

Above all, keep hopeful, positive and stay blessed!

Aziz Merchant
President

Ismaili Council for the United Arab Emirates

20 March 2020

In adherence to the Government announcements and instructions pertinent to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, all Centres will remain closed until further notice.

For frequently asked questions about COVID-19, kindly refer to the Dubai Health Authority website.

For any medical support or inquiry, please contact:

Istijaba at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) - 800 1717
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) - 800 342
Ministry of Health & Prevention - 800 11111

Avoid spreading false and misleading information

20 March 2020

Therefore, we advise the following:

Do not forward unverified messages that you receive on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Do not spread rumours and gossip, instead seek information from official channels.
Do not take or share photos or videos which may cause panic or cause security concerns, (for example those claiming to show “panic buying” and “stockpiling” in supermarkets, or officials administering medical checks, enforcing bans, restrictions or social distancing measures).
Do not spread rumours or gossip about people who may have contracted the Coronavirus, whether the individuals are known to you or not.
Do not criticise and/or pass opinion on UAE government measures in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak in public places or on public platforms.

The Attorney General has commented that offenders may face imprisonment of one year or more, and fines. For further information, please see below articles:

Spreading rumours, fake information punishable by law: UAE Attorney-General

Jail awaits those who spread rumours about coronavirus in UAE

Coronavirus: UAE Attorney General warns against rumours and dismisses need for panic buying

Respect bans and restrictions imposed by the UAE Government

20 March 2020

Always use credible and reliable sources for further information on COVID-19. These include:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Latest information on the COVID-19

The Attorney General has also called on individuals and businesses to abide by the law and comply with bans and restrictions imposed by the UAE Government to contain the spread of Coronavirus, COVID-19. Failure to do so will be punished by law.

Anyone returning from overseas should ensure that they commit to a home quarantine period of 14 days and follow instructions from relevant authorities. Failure to do so may result in imprisonment:

Coronavirus: 14-day mandatory quarantine for everyone entering UAE

Coronavirus: UAE implements mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for all travellers

For valid UAE residence permit holders who are currently overseas, the UAE Ministry of Fereign Affairs and International Cooperation has established a dedicated helpline. For any assistance, please call their dedicated helpline on: +971 24 965 228 or +971 92 083 344.

COVID-19: Updates

UAE Government Calls Upon Public to Stay Home Except for Absolute Necessity

Aga Khan Economic Planning Board Economic Update

Message from the President of the Ismaili Council for the United Arab Emirates

Ismaili Council for the United Arab Emirates

Avoid spreading false and misleading information

Respect bans and restrictions imposed by the UAE Government

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