IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates will halt inbound and outbound air travel for two weeks beginning March 25.

Key Points:

  • The National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management and the Civil Aviation Authority is halting air travel to and from the UAE in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Transit through the UAE will also be suspended.
  • The decision came after the UAE took a number of other steps last week to halt the spread of COVID-19, including prohibiting most UAE visa and permit holders abroad from reentering the country and suspending the issuance of work permits, tourist visas and visas on arrival.

Analysis & Comments: The restrictions the UAE and other countries have imposed have significantly disrupted business activity and employee mobility. The decision to halt all inbound and outbound flights is subject to reassessment, and additional measures are still possible.

Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Global Travel Impact Matrix, available here, for information on travel restrictions in other countries and territories.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.