UAE: Authorities to ease facemask mandates effective Sept. 28; other COVID-19 measures remain in place /update 84

Event

Authorities in the UAE are to ease facemask mandates nationwide effective Sept. 28. The wearing of facemasks will be optional in most cases and only mandatory in hospitals, religious spaces, and public transport. Other measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 remain in place.

Domestic Measures
Most commercial establishments, restaurants, and tourist attractions are open across the nation. The green pass protocol on UAE’s Al Hosn contact-tracing app continues to be implemented widely in Abu Dhabi, and selectively at events across the other six emirates.

International Travel Restrictions
Entry regulations can vary significantly based on several factors, including the traveler's vaccination status, and the emirate via which the individual is entering the UAE.

For details on international entry restrictions specific to Dubai, click here.

The UAE has resumed issuing tourist visas to fully vaccinated individuals with one of the WHO-approved vaccines. For more details on the UAE's entry restrictions, click here.

For details on COVID-19-related domestic measures and international entry restrictions specific to Abu Dhabi, click here.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Persons intending to travel to or within the UAE are advised to review current COVID-19-related restrictions regularly, and particularly before departure. Follow all official instructions. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
Al Hosn App
Abu Dhabi's Green List
Abu Dhabi Media Office