Smile! After two and a half years, Dubai has dropped face masks in most public areas…

As of today, Wednesday, September 28, face masks in Dubai will no longer be mandatory in public spaces. The update was announced on Monday, September 26 by the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). People will no longer be required to wear masks in most public spaces including malls, schools, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Dubai began easing Covid-19 restrictions in February of this year by making the use of face masks in outdoor spaces optional for members of the public. Fast forward to September, two and a half years after the first Covid-19 case was reported, the restrictions are relaxing some more.

Emirates Airlines and flydubai also announced that passengers are no longer required to wear a mask on all their international flights, plus wearing a face mask at the airport (DXB and Al Maktoum International Airport) is now optional.

On top of this, the daily number of Covid-19 cases will no longer be reported by the government.

Thanks to the wise leadership of the UAE, the country has steered its way through the pandemic with 92% of the population now fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Face masks have also played a huge part in the country’s widely-respected efforts to combat the spread of the virus.

Where do I need to wear a mask in Dubai?

As of Wednesday, September 28, masks must still be worn in hospitals, places of worship, public transport, and by people with suspected Covid-19 cases.

The use of face masks at events will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

These updates also apply to the capital. For all Covid-19 updates including Al Hosn, masks, and quarantine in Abu Dhabi, click here.

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