UAE eliminates Covid-19 mask regulations from today, including at schools

Face masks are no longer required in Dubai’s public venues such as malls, schools, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets as of today, September 28.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority of the UAE announced on Monday that it would abolish its mask-wearing regulations (NCEMA), with the new guidelines taking effect today.

Additionally, it has been stated by Emirates Airlines and flydubai that wearing a face mask at the airport (DXB and Al Maktoum International Airport) is no longer needed for all international flights, but masks will still be required to be worn on public transport and in hospitals and mosques.

The UAE will no longer disclose data on daily infections and those who work in Abu Dhabi will now need to get a PCR test every 30 days to keep their Al Hosn Green Status, instead of every 14 days.

For more than two and a half years face mask regulations have been in place. During this period, many parents didn’t want their young children to be masked while they were at school, worried that masking could hinder socialization and language development. So, how do schools feel about the new rules regarding mask removal now?

“We are fully aligned with the UAE government’s plans to ease mask wearing in indoor settings, and support the idea of optional mask wearing in school. While we hope this means we are now entering the post-Covid era, we recommend our students and parents decide whether or not they wish to continue wearing masks themselves.

We will also be taking a sensitive approach to mask removal – and considering how this might impact our students’ mental health. As always, the health and welfare of our school community is paramount. But it will be wonderful to see our staff and students’ smiles again, and embrace more natural, open communication where possible”, said Ruth Burke, CEO and Principal of Swiss International School Dubai