Wearing masks in outdoor areas will no longer be mandatory from February 26, the UAE government’s crisis authority said on Friday. Instead, the use of masks outside will now be optional, the Supreme Council for National Security said in a Twitter post. Masks must still be worn in all indoor areas and public places — including shopping malls and schools. In addition, from February 26 mandatory quarantine following close contact with a person with coronavirus is no longer mandatory. Anyone who has had close contact must take two PCRs 48 hours apart over five days before leaving the home. The National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority said PCR test requirements for fully vaccinated passengers coming to UAE would be halted from February 26. Instead, travellers need to present an approved Covid-19 vaccination certificate containing a QR code. Unvaccinated individuals, however, must present an approved PCR examination result 48 hours ahead of their travels. Unvaccinated persons can also present a certificate of recovery from a Covid-19 infection within one month from the date of travel containing a system QR code. The authority also recommends the necessity of following the requirements of examinations and vaccinations for the countries and destinations to which you want to travel from the UAE.

Abu Dhabi authorities will drop the need to show a negative PCR test when crossing the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi from February 28. All social distancing norms have been scrapped in ‘economic’ and places of tourism, NCEMA added. However, the authority has stressed the continuity of following the Green Pass requirement on the Al Hosn App, or presenting a negative PCR test result of no more than 96 hours to attend all local events, exhibitions, activities, cultural and social activities.