The UAE wants no part of your COVID foolishness. In order to board a flight you must show proof of a negative pcr test 48/96 hours prior to takeoff. Going to Abu Dhabi? Read the thread so you can see what to expect... until rules change so also check more official channels.

Arrival into Abu Dhabi airport was smooth as hell. Upon landing you’ll be directed to a medical station where you’ll be given another PCR test. This happens before passport control. You are then free to get baggage. Staying in Abu Dhabi? You have one more step before going home.

Abu Dhabi requires a 14 day self-quarantine while wearing a tracking device. Here is a photo of my watch with the charger on it. The actual watch is smart watch size. Looks like a Samsung fitness watch. Waterproof and fitted loosely for my comfort.

When you get home you’re asked to send your location passport information and watch number to the health department. From my understanding, you’re asked not to leave your home for 14 days. Folks living alone in a villa may need help taking out their trash.

Less than 12 hours from landing I received a text message with my PCR on arrival test. I’m negative by the way. Still have to quarantine at home. No problem. Everything and everyone delivers here. There’s really no need to be out in these streets.

It’s my understanding that I’ll need to take another PCR test on day 12 of quarantine at ADNEC. Also on Day 14, if my Day 12 test is negative, I will return to ADNEC & get the device removed. Again, this is my experiential reflection and NOT to be used as official guidance.

I’ll update this thread with my observations of wearing the watch throughout the quarantine period.

1. The watch looks like a Samsung smart watch.

2. Nurses who installed were adamant it must go on left hand. Not sure why.

3. Charging while wearing is weird.

4. I have no idea how long it takes to be fully charged or how many times a day I will need to charge it.

5. The watch comes with a charging cover (shown in photo upthread) and also a direct charger. It’s all kinda clunky.

6. I’ve plugged watch into direct charging cable & now it’s making a static-y type noise.

Inconvenient & annoying? Sure. But also temporary.

If you’re used to wearing a smart watch already, this seems like it won’t be very different (minus the weird charge while wearing bit)

Going to another Emirate or volunteered for the vaccine a few months back? No tracking device for you. Pick up your bags and head home. That simple.

Everyone else should expect a wait time of 1hr or more. There were 8 watch stations & 2 planes of pax when I arrived.

I found doing a crossword puzzle and stretching to be effective in passing the time. Whatever you do, don’t be like people I saw today yelling at the security guy. He’s doing the best he can controlling the situation. Yelling at him is unkind and unhelpful.

So.. moral of the story is to pack a snack, drink some water and be patient. Then take yo ur behind home and stay put.