Tips to travel using public transport in Dubai during COVID

Hygiene
Cashless Payment Methods
Avoid crowds
Medical Assistance

As the government takes more proactive measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak, it may not be the safest time to travel in Dubai. However, for those with unavoidable commitments, there are a few tips on how to travel safely using public transport in Dubai during the coronavirus pandemic.

The UAE government has also launched a website that you must register on to get permits to step outside from your home in Dubai in the hours between 08:00 pm and 06:00 am.

Tips to travel using public transport in Dubai during Coronavirus pandemic

If you have to travel during the coronavirus outbreak in the UAE, get your basic supplies in order.

Here is a complete list of tips to travel safely in Dubai public transport:

Focus on Cleanliness and Hygiene

While travelling in Dubai amid the outbreak of a global pandemic, take basic hygiene measures to stay safe.

Bring a sanitising kit

To maintain good hygiene, particularly during this time, is essential. Keep a kit with you, consisting of hand sanitisers, disinfecting wet wipes, tissues, disposable gloves and sealable disposable plastic bags. It will protect you from contracting the disease to a certain degree.

Wear protective gear

Wear gloves as a safety precaution against the novel coronavirus. Because you may have to stop by terminals, public bathrooms or roadside shops on the way and you never know, how many infected people have come to these places.

So it’s better to wear your protective gear at all times whether you are travelling by Dubai Metro or other modes of public transportation in Dubai.

Wash your hands thoroughly

The best way to protect yourself from the infection is by washing your hands after travelling. A quick rinse will not do – wash your hands for at least 20 to 30 seconds.

Here is how to do it:

Take soap and create some lather
Clean:

the back of your hands
in between your fingers
the end of your fingers
your thumb
your palm
your wrist
the top of your hand again
Rinse the soap off your hands
Use a tissue to turn off the tap to prevent cross-contamination

Cleaning your hands after travelling is important as you don’t know how many contaminated surfaces your hands may have come in contact with.

Different researches have proved that coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 stays for several hours to days on surfaces. So if you have touched such an object, you can be at a greater risk. Thus, wash your hands!

cleaning hands with a soap — *To guarantee safe usage of Dubai public transit, clean your hands thoroughly* *before and after the trip*

Use contactless payment methods

With so many cashless payment methods available, you don’t need to pay via cash in Dubai. In addition to RTA NOL cards that are used to pay for public transportation, you can use various mobile wallets to make payments.

Samsung Pay, Beam Wallet, Apple Pay, Emirates Digital Wallet, Android Pay, EmiratesNBD Pay, Etisalat Wallet and Google Wallet are some of them.

Samsung Pay: Works with Samsung devices and is free to use
Beam Wallet: Can be used at petrol stations or grocery stores
Apple Pay: Free to use
Emirates Digital Wallet: Works on both iOS and Android
Android Pay: Works on NFC-enabled Android devices
EmiratesNBD Pay: Works on NFC-enabled Android devices
Etisalat Wallet: Can be used at Select Stores
Goole Wallet: Works on both iOS and Android

While travelling, you may come across a number of people, it’s better to distance yourself from them. Don’t forget crowds are largely responsible for the fast spread of coronavirus outbreak. Thus, maintain at least a six-feet distance from them.

Seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms

Common symptoms for the disease include fever, cough and flu. If you suspect you have developed any of these symptoms, go immediately for a coronavirus test. The testing facilities are available in the city, so don’t wait, go and get tested for coronavirus in Dubai.

screening for coronavirus being done in Dubai — *Since it’s a communicable disease, it’s better to get tested so you can take proper precautions*

And that’s our guide to travelling via public transport amid the coronavirus outbreak in Dubai. Although you can travel via these common modes of transportation, we would suggest you to avoid going out unnecessarily.

As a precautionary measure against the novel virus, there are many travel restrictions in the UAE. Moreover, various operations are being carried out to sanitise public transport in Dubai. If you have any specific travel-related questions, check our guide to FAQs about travelling in the UAE.

The UAE government has been proactive from the beginning and has taken effective measures for the people of the country. Check out the list of measures taken by the UAE government.