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Covid-19: UAE announces new travel protocols for citizens

The new update allows citizens - who received the full doses of the approved Covid-19 vaccines – to travel. Meanwhile, the protocol prohibits travel for citizens who did not receive the full doses of the vaccine, except for the UAE diplomatic missions, patients, as well as humanitarian cases, and those who are studying abroad on scholarships, provided that prior approval is obtained from the official authorities. Citizens returning from those countries are required to present a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test result with a QR code for a test conducted within 48 hours from the time of departure as well as presenting the result of another Rapid PCR Test that was conducted not more than 6 hours before the departure time at the airport of the destination. The move aims to promote the country’s strategy in the recovery phase, enhance the gradual openness in all vital sectors as well as to manage a gradual return to normalcy. The protocol indicated that vaccinated travellers must take a PCR test upon arrival and take two more PCR tests on the fourth and eighth days. For the unvaccinated travellers, they must take a PCR test upon arrival, quarantine for 10 days and take another test on the ninth day.

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Covaxin may get approval within 24 hours, says WHO official

A technical committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) could recommend emergency use approval to Covaxin withing 24 hours, the global health body's spokesperson said. Margaret Harris told journalists that the technical advisory group is currently reviewing data on India's indigenously-made vaccine against coronavirus disease (Covid-19). "If all is in place and all goes well and if the committee is satisfied, we would expect a recommendation within the next 24 hours or so," news agency Reuters quoted Harris as saying at a UN press briefing in Geneva. Millions of Indians have taken a Covaxin shot but many have been unable to travel pending the WHO approval. The vaccine has been developed by Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company Bharat Biotech. It had submitted the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the emergency use approval as far back as April 19, but WHO has said it needs more data from the company before showing the green light. Without a WHO nod, the two-dose Covaxin is unlikely to be accepted as a valid vaccine globally. Last Friday, a top official of the WHO said the process of thoroughly evaluating a vaccine for use and recommending it sometimes takes a long time but it has to be ensured that the right advice is given to the world. "The World Health Organisation is very clear that we want all countries to recognise vaccines that have been given an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) by the WHO advisory process. But it's also very important that WHO, when it makes a recommendation like that, is making that globally,” WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Dr Mike Ryan had said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Indian Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers on Saturday and discussed various issues including furthering the vaccine research. The meeting was held within days of the country achieving a key milestone of administering one billion doses of the jabs.

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Varanasi railway station gets an all new Executive Lounge for travellers

Varanasi's railway station gets an upgrade with a state-of-the-art executive lounge. Opened recently by The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the executive lounge has been built to give an enhanced experience to travellers. The lounge will provide all modern amenities for passengers who are waiting to board, or for those who have arrived at the railway station. According to a state released by the IRCTC, the design of the Executive Lounge is in tune with Panchtattva, or the five elements, namely, Sky, Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. This allows the tuning of our biorhythms to those of the spaces around, and is said to bring in a great balance in our lives. The latest Executive Lounge at the Varanasi Railway Station is available for guests at an entry charge of INR 85 plus taxed, for an hour. For every extra hour of stay, passengers will be charged an additional amount of INR 60 plus taxes. A host of amenities will be available at the Executive Lounge, so you can expect Wi-Fi connection, TV, hot and soft beverages, multi-cuisine food, luggage racks, restrooms, newspapers, magazines, recliners, and shoe shiners. The most interesting addition to this lounge is a business centre that comes with printer, photostat, computer, and fax machine. The lounge will also include a souvenir shop that will allow guests to take a closer look at the art and craft culture of the city. Varanasi is an ancient city that is known as a spiritual destination, extremely revered by Hindus across the world. The holy river Ganga flows here, and on the banks you will find a whole new world opening to you.

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Indian Railways to organize tourist fest at the highest railway station

The festival will start from 13th November and conclude on 05th December (DHR day); the day DHR got its UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1999. The fest aims to attract the pandemictired population of the entire country and the world, lift up the status of Darjeeling as a premium tourist destination and thus boost the earnings of Indian Railways through DHR. The DHR is running numerous Toy-train rides namely Joyrides, Jungle-Tea Safari, New Jalpaiguri –Darjeeling Passenger Train and Red Panda Simultaneously, the fest will provide a huge platform for the artists, performers, craftsmen, engineers and workers in the district as well as Indian Railways to showcase their creativity to the world and increase their earnings. All in all, it is a huge step by DHR in the direction of preservation of the local culture of the region and justification of its UNESCO World Heritage status. The fest will run along 3 verticals, namely: Culture, Adventure and Tourism.The cultural aspect includes several events that will be hosted in the stations and the famous Chaurasta stage in Darjeeling such as folk dances, folk music, singing, music and dance performances, Stand-up comedy, plays and talent shows. Local performers as well as internal talents from Indian Railways are coming together to make it a reality. The cultural pillar will be a reflection of the ecstatic mood of the tourists in this festivity

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Ain Dubai or Dubai Eye opens for public; Crown Prince shares a video from on top of the wheel

The largest and tallest observation wheel in the world, Ain Dubai or Dubai Eye, has finally opened its doors for the general public. The much-awaited entertainment hub in Dubai was inaugurated with a two-day opening extravaganza on October 21 at 2 PM. Besides all the entertainment, the prime attraction of the place was Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The prince was seen video shooting himself on top of a pod of the Ferris wheel, right before the gates were opened to the public. A few important facts you should know about the Dubai Eye. 1) Standing tall at 820 ft, Ain Dubai or Dubai Eye is nearly twice the height of the London Eye. From here, one can enjoy majestic views of Dubai’s skyline. 2) The gigantic wheel features 48 capsules that can accommodate 1750 visitors. Each ride lasts about 38 minutes. 3) One can also get unique offers and packages for celebrations and functions for birthdays, engagements, weddings and business functions. Ronald Drake, General Manager, Ain Dubai said, "We’ve seen the excitement across the city peak as we get closer to opening so it was only fitting that we host an opening that was in line with all that Ain Dubai has to offer as the ultimate celebration destination. We can’t wait to welcome the world to see everything beyond the stunning view of Dubai’s dazzling skyline available at Ain Dubai, from family entertainment to sunset views and DJ sets. We have plenty of surprises in store across the two days, making it the perfect place to spend the long weekend.”

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Malaysia to reopen Langkawi for international tourists from November 15

Taking gradual, calibrated measures to reopen international borders, Malaysia will allow the entry of fully vaccinated foreign tourists in Langkawi without quarantine from November 15. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a statement said that his government has approved protocols to be followed by international tourists, where they will have to stay for at least three days among other requirements. He mentioned the Ministry of Health and National Security Council will be evaluating the project’s effectiveness before deciding on implementing it in resort islands and other tourist destinations throughout the country. According to the SOPs issued by the government, the Southeast Asian nation will target ‘high yield’ and quality (high spending) tourists, who are fully vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine for the bubble projects. Travellers will also have to present a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours before departure. They will also be required to hold travel insurance of a minimum USD 80,000 with them. The list of countries from where tourists will be allowed into Langkawi is yet to be revealed, and is subject to the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM)/ MOH/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KLN)'s updates. It is also necessary for foreign tourists to engage tour operators and guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) for the trip. Tourists must also register on the MySejahtera app before departing for Langkawi.

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