Dubai Police clarify doubts on movement restriction

Will radars catch all the vehicles across the emirate?

Yes, they will, and around the clock for two weeks. There will be a mechanism to review all tickets issued during this period.

Could families and vehicles cross Dubai to/ from Abu Dhabi, or to /from Sharjah?

Yes, it is allowed only under exceptional circumstances and only via Emirates Road (Dubai Bypass Road), Mohammed bin Zayed Rd , Dubai-Hatta Rd, or Dubai-Al Ain Rd, Sheikh Zayed Road with the removal of the traffic ban on trucks.

Should authorised individuals carry any legal documents or proofs?

Yes. It is essential to present legal proof or permit in case the individual is stopped by a police patrol or captured by the radar.

What will happen if individuals do not respect movement restrictions?

Anyone violating the restrictions will face stringent legal action. The compliance of all people is vital to the success of measures to combat the virus and ensure the highest levels of protection.

If I’m working in one of the vital sectors which are exempted from the restrictions, can I go to work?

Employees working in vital sectors are exempted from restrictions and permitted to leave their house at any time of the day to commute to work. A proof of identification and work ID must be with you.

What forms of public transportation are allowed during this period?

Buses and taxis only. Dubai metro services have been suspended.

Will there be an increase in testing for Covid-19 in Dubai?

Extensive medical tests will be conducted across densely populated areas of Dubai to ensure members of the community are free from Covid-19 infection.

How will these restrictions affect food retail outlets and pharmacies?

Food retail outlets, such us Union cooperative stores and supermarkets, as well as pharmacies and food and medicine deliveries are allowed to operate as usual. However, when shopping for essential needs; only one family member is permitted to leave the house for this purpose.

Any other advice when going out?

All people leaving home should wear a face mask, gloves and ensure they keep a safe distance from others.

What exactly is the new announcement?

The National Sterilisation Programme in Dubai will be extended to 24 hours a day across all areas and communities in the emirate for a period of two weeks subject to renewal. Individuals will not be allowed to leave the house, except for essential purposes or if they are working in vital sectors exempted from the restrictions. Intensified restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles are adopted to help protect the health and safety of the community. These restrictions help our efforts in combating Covid-19.

Do I need a movement permit to leave the house?

All members of the public and employees in vital & support sectors, that have been exempt from restrictions must apply for a movement permit dxbpermit.gov.ae For enquiries, call the hotline: (800737648) 800PERMIT

What are the vital sectors that are exempted from restrictions (24 hours a day)?

• Healthcare services (Hospitals, clinics and pharmacies). • Food supply outlets

(Union Cooperative outlets, supermarkets, groceries). • Delivery services (Food and medicine). • Restaurants (operations limited to home deliveries only). • Manufacturers of medicines and providers of healthcare and medical supplies. • Industrial sector (only vital industries). • Industrial supply chain for services and basic commodities. • Water and electricity sector, petrol and gas stations and district cooling services. •Telecommunications sector. • Media sector. • Airports, airlines, ports, shipping. • Customs duty and border crossings. • Public and private security services. • Municipality services and public and private service providers involved in garbage collection, sewage management and general cleaning and sanitation. • Private and government sector organisations involved in combating the coronavirus. • Public transport (buses and taxis only; metro and tram services will be suspended). • Construction sector, subject to obtaining a permit from the Dubai Municipality and the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs. • Support Sectors (Employees working in these sectors are permitted to commute to work between 7am and 1pm). • Banking and financial services (banks and exchange centres). • Social welfare services. • Laundry services (for permitted outlets). • Maintenance services.

When can the public leave their residence during movement restrictions?

To avoid facing legal action, individuals who are excluded from the exempted groups/industries must apply for a permit every time they wish to leave their residence. The permit must be approved in advance as well. An application must be filled out at https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/ home. Approval will be issued only under the below mentioned circumstances, and while wearing a face mask, gloves and maintaining a safe distance from others, individuals are allowed to go out for: • Attending essential needs such as buying food from food supply outlets; only one family member is permitted to leave the house for this purpose. • Buying medicines / getting medical assistance from healthcare service providers like hospitals, clinics and pharmacies • Getting tested for Covid-19.

I use public transportation to commute to work at Rashid Hospital, will public transportation be restricted as well?

Taxis are exempted from the movement restriction under the conditions of carrying a valid movement permit (for individuals who don’t work in vital sectors), and not more than one passenger per vehicle.

I want to head to the nearby supermarket for some food essentials, what should I do?

You should first apply for a permit. Once your permit is approved, only one family member can go the supermarket to do shopping while wearing a face mask, gloves, and maintaining a safe distance from others.

I’m one of the exempted categories, but I’m using a vehicle registered under a company’s property?

The ticket is issued against the vehicle driver and not its owner. However, all individuals who are authorised to go out will not be punished if they use vehicles under someone else’s name. They will only need later to provide information on the vehicle’s owner and its plate number. In case the driver has obtained the permission to go out and he/she uses a vehicle that is not under his/her name, he/ she should check with us later and bring confirmation of approved permission to cancel the ticket.

I want to take my dog for a walk; is that allowed during the movement restrictions?

No, it is not allowed and is prohibited in all cases. However, some animals should be taken out to relieve themselves. In such cases, it is acceptable but only if it is in front of one’s residence and for no more than ten minutes while taking the necessary precautions to ensure public safety.

Am I allowed to apply for permission to go out multiple times a day?

Yes, all these applications will be thoroughly examined but not necessarily get approved.

Are transport trucks that carry sands and heavy machinery allowed to operate during the National Sterilisation Programme?

Yes, they are excluded from the restriction for being a vital logistic sector that supports the other exempted ones.