The UAE is easing COVID-19 restrictions, including to mandatory face masks in public places, from Saturday February 26. And other restrictions are being lifted, including for close contacts, places of worship and events.
Face masks will be mandatory in closed areas, but wearing them will now be optional in outdoor areas. Physical distancing must still be observed. The major news was announced on Friday February 25 by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
Additionally, there are changes to close contact cases. If you have a close contact case, you will not have to undergo a mandatory quarantine. Instead, you will now have to “take PCR tests daily for a period five days”. This applies to workers in all sectors.
The local levels within each emirate have the flexibility to determine testing sectors, the quarantine period and more, as well as precautionary and preventative measures.
For new COVID-19 cases, wristbands will no longer be used during home quarantine.
Additionally, the latest UAE COVID updates include returning the time interval between call to prayer and stay to previous pre-pandemic status. One metre of physical distance must still be maintained between people in mosques and places of worship. The Quran will also return to mosques in a limited number “on the condition of stertilisation after each prayer”.
Wondering about events? For events, tourist attractions and commercial in Abu Dhabi, capacity will increase to 90 percent.
Green passes and EDE scanners will still be used at entry points, face masks must be worn indoors and physical distancing must be followed. However, face masks will be optional in outdoor spaces with physical distancing being maintained.
All sporting events for all age groups are returning, but a green pass must be presented or a PCR not more than 96 hours old. Furthermore, face masks must continue to be worn.
Wondering about travel? The National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority announced that PCR testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers would stop from Saturday February 26. Abu Dhabi is also doing away with its green list.
The easing of COVID-19 measures in the UAE is “in line with the state strategy to create a balance between public health and various vital sectors and in support of national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery”.
You might also like: Abu Dhabi removes border EDE scanners and requirements for green pass
The UAE COVID-19 protocol changes were announced on Friday February 25 when a series of coronavirus measure updates were shared. On the same day, Abu Dhabi announced it would remove border requirements for entering the emirate from Monday February 28. People entering Abu Dhabi from within the UAE will no longer need a green pass and EDE scanners will no longer be used at the border. This marks the first time there will be no EDE scanners in 2022.
Additionally, it was said that United Arab Emirates restaurants are now able to return to 100 percent capacity. The decision is in line with the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.
For all of the latest news in the UAE, keep it on Time Out.
From Sat Feb 26.
Looking for more about the UAE and COVID-19 updates?
Abu Dhabi makes major border change
EDE scanners and green pass requirements to stop.
Read more here.
Where to get vaccinated in the UAE
See our full guide of where to get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster jabs.
Read more here.
UAE restaurant capacity update
Eateries can now return to full capacity.
Read more here.
