Abu Dhabi has strengthened its Ebola restrictions for visitors from areas affected by the disease, as cases continue to rise globally. The measures, announced on Monday, 25 May 2026, include enhanced screening and quarantine protocols at Abu Dhabi International Airport and other entry points.
What the new rules mean for visitors
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health has implemented stricter guidelines for passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, requiring them to undergo additional health checks and potential quarantine if necessary. According to Dr. Aisha Al Mansoori, Director of the Department of Health, the new protocols will be enforced starting 1 June 2026, and will apply to all passengers arriving from countries with confirmed Ebola cases. The enhanced screening will include temperature checks, medical questionnaires, and blood tests, if necessary. Passengers who show symptoms or have a history of exposure to Ebola will be isolated and monitored for 21 days.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health has also established a dedicated Ebola response team, which will be responsible for coordinating the screening and quarantine efforts. The team, led by Dr. Al Mansoori, will work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health authorities to ensure that the protocols are in line with global best practices.
Why the move is crucial
The UAE capital has taken proactive steps to safeguard public health, given the increasing number of Ebola cases worldwide. By introducing these measures, Abu Dhabi aims to prevent the spread of the disease and protect its residents and visitors. According to the WHO, there have been over 10,000 reported cases of Ebola in the past year, resulting in over 5,000 deaths. The virus has been detected in several countries, including Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Abu Dhabi has a history of responding effectively to public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The city's health authorities have been praised for their swift and decisive action in containing the outbreak, and for their commitment to protecting the health and well-being of residents and visitors. The new Ebola restrictions are part of a broader effort to ensure that Abu Dhabi remains a safe and healthy destination for tourists and business travelers.
How the new protocols will be enforced
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health has established a clear set of guidelines for enforcing the new Ebola restrictions. Passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries will be required to present a negative Ebola test result, taken within 72 hours of their flight. Those who do not meet this requirement will be isolated and monitored for 21 days. The health authorities will also conduct regular checks on passengers who have been isolated, to ensure that they are not showing any symptoms of the disease.
The Abu Dhabi International Airport has been designated as the primary entry point for passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries. The airport's health authorities will be responsible for conducting the enhanced screening and quarantine protocols, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health. The airport has a dedicated Ebola response team, which will work closely with the health authorities to ensure that the protocols are enforced effectively.
What visitors need to know
Visitors to Abu Dhabi who are arriving from Ebola-affected countries should be aware of the new restrictions and protocols. They should ensure that they have a negative Ebola test result, taken within 72 hours of their flight, and that they are aware of the enhanced screening and quarantine procedures that will be in place. Visitors who have been isolated or quarantined will be required to stay in a designated facility for 21 days, and will be monitored regularly by health authorities. The Abu Dhabi Department of Health has established a dedicated hotline for visitors who have questions or concerns about the new Ebola restrictions.
