Let’s answer your first question–yes, it’s real, and it’s spectacular.
Emirates Airline actually helicoptered a cabin crew member to the top of Burj Khalifa to celebrate the UK moving from the red list to amber.
The airline shared on their social media sites over the weekend a video of an air hostess dressed in Emirates’ cabin crew uniform, standing on the skyscraper’s spire, and holding up signs that showcase the gratitude the airline feel after being moved off the red list.
WATCH: Insane, awe-inspiring behind-the-scenes footage of Emirates’ viral Burj Khalifa stunt
In the video, the camera eventually pans out to show where the cabin member stood, showing that she is indeed standing on top of the Burj Khalifa.
The flight attendant in the video is Nicole Smith-Ludvik. She considers herself a “world traveller, skydiver, yoga instructor, hiker, adventurer,” according to her Instagram.
“This is, without a doubt, one of the most amazing and exciting stunts I’ve ever done,” Smith-Ludvik shared on Instagram, referring to standing on Burj Khalifa’s spire.
Prime Productions AMG, the company that produced the video called Smith-Ludvik the “bravest woman on the planet.”
The production company used a helicopter and drone to shoot the video, Smith-Ludvik was required to stand on the spire for hours.
The 5 most amazing Burj Khalifa stunts of all time
The stunt required a huge amount of permissions and logistics, not to mention expertise.
One o the people that Smith-Ludvik tags on her Instagram Alan Gayton, who is an aerial stunt expert involved in Prime Productions AMG. He’s been involved in a number of stunts in Dubai, having worked with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the crown prince of Dubai on a project with Sky Dive Dubai.
To see the full behind the scenes scoop on how the video got made, watch below:
The announcement that the UK moved from the red list to amber makes the biggest difference, and we’ll tell you why.
Planning to go to the UK? Here’s how to know whether or not you’ll be able to avoid quarantining.
In short, if you’re coming from the UAE and have been vaccinated in the UAE, you will likely have to self-isolate either with friends, at home or at a hotel, an upgrade from the previous rule that required only hotel quarantine.
Those coming from the UAE once the move to the Amber List goes into effect who are fully vaccinated with vaccines approved and administered in the UK, EU and US will not have to self-isolate.
If you are vaccinated with these vaccines, and have an approved certificate from one of the bodies mentioned below, you will have to provide a negative Covid-19 test within two days of arrival, with no hotel quarantine or self-isolation period.
Which vaccines are approved? there are four: Moderna, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, the latter of which is not yet available in the UAE.
You will also have to prove you are double vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines, with evidence of an NHS Covid Pass, EU Digital Covid Certificate, or CDC certification.
Ok, if you got vaccinated in the UAE, can you get one of those?
For the EU Digital Covid Certificate, EU citizens who were vaccinated in a non-EU country can request the EU Digital COVID Certificate from the Member State of their nationality or residence. The EU Digital COVID Certificate will be issued, if there is a reliable proof of vaccination and if the structure of the health system allows for it. For further information, address your Member State of nationality or residence through a consulate or embassy.
For the NHS Covid Pass, UK citizens should contact their consulate or embassy for more information.
For a CDC certificate, US citizens should contact their embassy as well.
However, reports have come that it has been difficult or impossible for those vaccinated out of those countries to obtain these certificates, but it is worth checking directly with these bodies mentioned above.
For all non-citizens of the above, citizens of the EU, US or UK who were vaccinated in the UAE and are unable to obtain a certificate, those who obtained a non-UK-approved vaccine, as well as non-vaccinated individuals, you will have to self-isolate for a period of 10 days either at home, with friends, or at a hotel.
People traveling from red list countries are obligated by law to pay £1,750 to quarantine for a period of 11 days and take multiple PCR tests in order to go home. However, starting August 12, the price will rise to GBP 2,285.
Those arriving before August 8 are still under Red List rules.
Safe travels, everyone!
