Mashable: Face masks will no longer be mandatory

The UAE crisis authority has declared that wearing face masks is no longer mandatory in indoor public places.

New rules will be applicable from Wednesday, September 28, 2022.

The new decision was announced on Monday, September 26, 2022, in a televised briefing by the officials of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).

From Wednesday, September 28, 2022 people will be required to wear masks only in places including hospitals, public transport, and places of worship.

Wearing face mask have been mandatory in the United Arab Emirates for over two and half years.

Announcing the loosening of Covid-19 regulations, the NCEMA shared various key decisions on their official Instagram account. Sharing the post on Monday, they wrote, “We announce the loosening of COVID-19-related restrictions nationwide, as well as the updates to all sectors, which will be in force from 28th September, 2022.”

Schools in the Emirate will not require their teachers and students to wear face masks. Wearing masks inside flights is also no longer a requirement, but airlines can enforce the rule if it seems necessary.

All food service providers, those who are infected with the Covid-19 virus, and suspected cases of the same are mandated to wear a mask.

The mandatory requirement for worshippers to leave space between each other while offering prayers has been removed. But, the use of a personal prayer mat is still a requirement.

Also, the government will no longer announce the number of Covid-19 cases daily. The figures will be updated on official websites.