They simply need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, a document that is part of the standard travel procedure in this pandemic era.
This is good news for the many delegates who plan to attend Africa Oil Week (AOW) in Dubai in November 2021.
Travelers from most countries will need to present the results of a negative test no more than 72 hours before their departure date. However, travelers arriving from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia must follow a slightly different procedure.
These travelers must be in possession of a valid covid-19 negative PCR test certificate with a QR code, issued no more than 48 hours after the sample was collected by an approved healthcare facility. In addition, they must present a rapid PCR test certificate with QR code, performed at the departure airport within six hours before take-off.
Travelers from certain countries will also need to take a final test upon arrival in Dubai.
"We welcome this easing of restrictions," said Chris Hall, AOW Group's Director of Events. "This means that Dubai is once again open for business and reinforces our decision to temporarily host the AOW in Dubai. »
"While we look forward to returning to Cape Town in 2022, we believe this decision serves the best interests of our delegates and will help us organize the only safe, face-to-face event dedicated to energy for Africa this year. »
The AOW is preparing to host some 45 ministers and heads of government representing 66% of African governments, including those of Ghana, Uganda, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya and the Republic of Congo.
The management teams of the continent's major oil and gas players, such as TotalEnergies, Eni, Equinor, Tullow Oil, Perenco, Panoro and Seplat, will also be present. After the interruption due to the pandemic, this potential for significant engagement was welcomed by all.
Of course, the easing of travel restrictions does not mean that Dubai or the AOW will relax their efforts to protect the health of delegates.
"From the beginning of the pandemic, a robust strategy has been put in place with the absolute goal of safeguarding the health and well-being of our residents and guests," said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
"We continue to apply the highest hygiene standards and covid-19 precautionary measures throughout the city and inspectors check establishments that have received Dubai Assured approval every 15 days to ensure continuity of compliance."
"These efforts, along with the progress made in advancing the nationwide immunization program, are critical to the fight against the virus and to the peace of mind of residents and visitors."
"For visitors from the UK, Dubai remains a better option at the moment than South Africa, with the latter still on the UK's Red List," added Chris Hall, AOW.
"The UAE is on the UK's orange list, which means that fully vaccinated travellers will not have to observe quarantine when returning home."
Together with its official partners, including Emirates, AOW looks forward to its next event marking the beginning of the return of safe face-to-face events around the world.
