COVID-19 has affected almost every person in the world in one way or another. Whether that’s impacting people’s health, immobilizing international travel, or changing the way we work, everybody has been hit by the virus in one way or another.

Now that the virus’s initial impact has passed, international travel is starting to resume across the globe. This is a massive positive here in Dubai, as the economy is so heavily reliant on tourism. With countries beginning to re-open, I got to thinking, what’s the safest destination to visit post-COVID? 

Dubai: The safest destination to visit post-COVID

Since July 7th, Dubai has opened its doors to international travelers again. Things are, of course, very different from how they used to be. Upon arrival in Dubai, tourists (and returning residents stranded outside of the country) must download the COVID-19 app. The app allows you to input information regarding your health so that the government can track the virus. You’ll also have to accept responsibility for any costs incurred should you test positive and need to quarantine. 

As well as this, you’ll have to provide a negative PCR test result. You must take the test no earlier than four days before arriving in Dubai. If you can’t give a negative result, you’ll be subject to a PCR test upon arrival. All arrival will be subject to thermal screening. 

It sounds pretty intense, but it’s all in the name of safety!

Hotels Helping To Make Dubai The Safest Destination To Visit Post-COVID

As I mentioned earlier, I think Dubai is the safest destination to visit post-COVID. To put my theory to the test, I visited some of Dubai’s hotels to see how they’re facing coronavirus adversity. I wanted to see the measures they’ve put in place to meet government guidelines surrounding the virus. 

Are you thinking of visiting Dubai? Fear not, the hotels here have your safety and comfort at heart!

Cassells Al Barsha – 4* Hotel 

My first stop was the 4* Cassells Al Barsha Hotel. Here, I spoke to Ramesh Kumar Singh, who told me of the safety measures the hotel has in place. He told me that the hotel has remained open throughout the pandemic, though they’re sticking to government guidelines. 

For example, guests must have their temperature checked and fill out health forms at check-in. Staff clean/sanitize all common areas hourly, while all rooms are kept vacant for 24 hours after check out. I really like that these measures are in place, as it ensures the safety of all guests arriving at the hotel. The fact that the hotel cleaned the common areas so regularly will be an excellent source of comfort for many travelers! Such measures are what makes Dubai the safest destination to visit during this pandemic.

It was really strange to see how things have changed. Before, lobbies would be the beating heart of the hotel. This time, it was eerily quiet. At one time, hotels in Dubai would be fully booked and tourists would be everywhere. It’s certainly a different story now! However, I think it’s important that tourists know the hotels are operating safely. If you’re thinking of visiting, you should! 

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Al Khoory Inn – Budget Hotel

Similar measures are in place at Al Khoory Inn. Vikram Aditya Tanwar told me the hotel’s shared areas are cleaned every hour with government-approved chemicals. They’re also enforcing social distancing by using markers around the hotel. As well as this, elevator use is limited to 2 people, so social distancing is maintained. Vikram also told me that they use fogging machines to sanitize the rooms after guests check out. The hotel’s main priority is creating an environment where guests don’t have to worry about their safety. Judging the measures they have in place, I can see safety won’t be an issue here!

Despite the fact that the Khoory Inn is a budget hotel, you wouldn’t be able to tell. When I visited, it was refreshing to see how good the measures they have in place are. The hotel has the same safety measures in place as 4- and 5-star hotels. It’s great to see that even cheaper accommodation doesn’t slack on customer safety. So, if you’re looking to visit Dubai on more of a budget, you can do so knowing it’s safe. They care just as much about your safety as the higher rated hotels!

Urban Al Khoory – 3* Hotel

At the Urban Al Khoory, Gaurav Bhanot spoke to me about something comforting. At the hotel, guests have their temperatures scanned. However, if they are displaying symptoms of Covid-19, the hotel will still accommodate the guest. They have isolated rooms to stay while they contact the relevant authorities and get help if needed.

To minimize inter-guest contact, visitors can choose to have room service rather than dine in a common area. Rooms are regularly sanitized too. I really like that the hotel still provides rooms for those with symptoms. It’s unique but still allows a safe way to visit the hotel!

Again, the lobby here was really quiet. The common areas, like the dining area and the swimming pool/facilities, were super quiet too. I can’t help but wonder when things will start to pick up. Will next summer be like this one? I hope not! I think with the safety measures in place, Dubai may be able to avoid a second wave of the virus. Hopefully next summer we will look back on this crazy time and be grateful for how far we’ve come!

Al Khoory Hotel Apartments 

Last but not least, I headed to Al Khoory Hotel Apartments to speak to Thomas Kurian. The hotel has designated sanitizing stations for guests to use. They’re enforcing social distancing using markers and distanced seating in the lobby area. 

They’re also sanitizing public areas hourly and using chemical fogging in the guestrooms. My favorite measure, though, is the hotel’s staff training. Thomas told me that each week, staff are trained on the latest advances in the virus. With guidelines changing almost daily, I think this is super important. It ensures hygiene and safety, as the staff knows exactly what to do.

I loved chatting to Thomas about the measures the hotel apartments have in place. If this situation is strange for customers, imagine how strange it is for the staff! The whole way the hotel operates has had to change so quickly. Busy summers have turned into socially distanced vacations running at reduced capacity. I hope that staff are able to get used to it as much as travelers do!

So… Is Dubai The Safest Destination To Visit Post-COVID?

After visiting the hotels I’ve mentioned above, I feel positive that Dubai is the most sensible choice to make, while choosing your next holiday destination. Hotels are enforcing strict protocols to ensure guest safety. Chemical fogging is a popular choice for many hotels and sanitized rooms to a government-approved standard. 

Some of the hotels I visited to talk about staycations in the UAE, that have implemented distanced dining. This means no more buffet-style eating. However, it’s imperative that we minimize contact-based interactions to help combat the virus. The measures in place may seem like a lot, but it’s for our own good. After all this is over, we will never take socializing for granted again!

Both international travelers and returning residents can relax, knowing that there are lots of precautions in place. So, all travelers have to do is arrive and enjoy the scorching Dubai summer heat.

I look forward to welcoming tourists and residents back to Dubai! Stay safe, everyone.

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Travel Guidance For Tourists Traveling To Dubai

• There is no mandatory 14-day quarantine for international travelers arriving in Dubai.
• Arrivals must be able to provide a negative PCR test result. The test must be taken no earlier than four days before arriving in Dubai. 
• If you cannot give a negative test result, you’ll be subject to a PCR test upon arrival. 
• All arrivals are subject to thermal screening.
• Travelers must provide a negative test result in both Dubai and your home country.
• Dubai authorities have the power to deny your access and send you back to your country of departure.
• All arrivals to Dubai must download the COVID-19 app. You’re required to input information about your health. 
• Travelers must cover the cost of any quarantine or health/medical bills should they test positive for the virus while visiting Dubai.

Travel Guidance For Dubai Residents

• Any passenger holding a Dubai residence visa returning to Dubai must have approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).
• These passengers must complete an application on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) website before booking their flight. 
• Upon arrival in Dubai, passengers are required to take a PCR test (swab test) and must remain in their residence until they receive the test results. If the result is positive, passengers will be required to quarantine themselves until the transmission risk has subsided.

If you found the above information satisfying, then do let us know in the comments section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts. For more information check out my list blog about the Best deals for Staycation in UAE.