UAE COVID-19 restrictions have eased in recent months, but a new update dropped on Monday September 26.
The wearing of facemasks is no longer mandatory, according to today’s announcement from the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.
The new rules kick in from Wednesday September 28, and are cause for celebration across the UAE as the country reaches a period of stability following the COVID-19 pandemic.
You might also like: COVID-19 update: Many mask restrictions dropped in UAE
Face masks are no longer mandatory indoors, except for in hospitals, mosques and on public transport.
The mandatory wearing of face masks has also been dropped in schools, with masks now optional for children aged six and above.
At the same time, the UAE announced that green pass validity on the Al Hosn app— used to access venues in Abu Dhabi— has been increased to 30 days.
If you’re wondering what the latest COVID restrictions are in the UAE – and where you need to wear a mask – Time Out’s guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Do I have to wear a face mask in the UAE?
Wearing face masks indoors in the UAE, in venues including restaurants, bars, malls and events facilities, is no longer mandatory. As of Wednesday September 28, the UAE is relaxing its rules on masks.
However, you still need to don your face mask in hospitals, mosques and on public transport.
Since Saturday February 26, it has been optional to wear face masks in outdoor areas.
The mask update was announced on Monday September 26 by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).
What are the COVID-19 rules in UAE schools?
Face masks no longer need to be worn inside schools by either pupils or teachers.
Social distancing inside educational facilities is no longer mandatory inside schools and left to the discretion of each facility.
Students who are not vaccinated for health reasons or who have been exempt from vaccinations can attend classes.
Public schools do not need to take students’ and school workers’ temperatures anymore but those who have a fever are to not to attend classes.
At present, bus drivers and bus attendants need to continue wearing masks and continue to sanitise their hands.
According to the previous COVID-19 update on Tuesday August 23, public school students over the age of 12 had to take a PCR test before returning to school after the holidays.
Private school children are exempt from having to take a PCR test before school starts.
Do I still need an Al Hosn green pass?
Yes, the Al Hosn green pass system remains in place in Abu Dhabi so people wanting to enter public spaces must show green status on the app.
As of Monday September 26, Green pass validity was extended to 30 days, meaning you must have a negative PCR test result that is less than 30 days’ old to maintain green status on the Al Hosn app.
Without green status, the Al Hosn app will turn to grey status, and you will not be able to enter public places like malls and restaurants until you get another negative PCR test result.
You might also like: UAE face mask changes and more from February 26
What are event capacities in the UAE?
Restaurants returned to pre-COVID-19 conditions back in February. The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management approved the decision. So, the mandatory minimum distance of at least one metre between tables was removed.
Furthermore, shisha cafés are back to 100 percent capacity. As per UAE law, smoking areas must allow space for two sq m per person.
Do I need green status to enter Abu Dhabi from within the UAE?
No. As of Monday February 28, Abu Dhabi removed border requirements for entering the emirate. People entering Abu Dhabi from within the United Arab Emirates will no longer need a green pass on the Al Hosn app and EDE scanners will no longer be used at the border.
This milestone UAE COVID update was the first time there will be no EDE scanners at the border in 2022.
Are close contact cases part of the UAE COVID-19 update?
Procedures to close contact cases and quarantine also changed from Saturday February 26. If you come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, the latest rule is you must take PCR tests daily for a period five days. The mandate applies to workers in all sectors. But, the local levels within each emirate have the flexibility to determine testing sectors, the quarantine period and more.
Furthermore, there will be no wristband requirement for new COVID-19 cases, according to the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee.
What are the latest UAE COVID updates for travellers?
Wondering how all of the latest UAE COVID updates impact travel?
As of Monday June 13, wearing face masks for travel remains mandatory on all flights operated by GCC airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia.
There are sweeping UAE COVID updates for travellers. The National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) announced that PCR testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers would stop from Saturday February 26.
Abu Dhabi is no longer using a green list, meaning there is no mandatory quarantine for any international travellers coming to the UAE capital.
NCEMA announced that fully vaccinated travellers will now only need to show a vaccine certificate along with a readable QR code. PCR testing for unvaccinated travellers will continue to apply.
Want to know what else is happening in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE? For the latest news click here.
