UAE ends almost all Covid-19 restrictions, including mask mandate

The UAE has ended almost all Covid-19 restrictions in the country, including the mandatory mask mandate, as cases continue to drop across the country.

"Today, we announce the second phase of the easing of restrictions, after studying the epidemiological situation in the country while monitoring occupancy rates in hospitals and intensive care for #COVID19 cases," the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced by Twitter on Sunday. 

#NCEMA: Today, we announce the second phase of the easing of restrictions, after studying the epidemiological situation in the country while monitoring occupancy rates in hospitals and intensive care for #COVID19 cases.
#TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/T0NPKVf74z

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) November 6, 2022

Residents will no longer need to prove they are not infectious on the government's Al Hosn public health app. Instead, the use of the app "will be limited to proof of vaccination and test results inside and outside the country upon request", according to a graphic shared by the NCEMA. 

The UAE has reported around 300 cases a day on average for the past few months, and had one of the fastest vaccination programmes and lowest rates of mortality. 

Some of the UAE's emirates, such as Dubai, did not institute a strict lockdown, instead choosing to rely on strict mask mandates and vaccinations. 

The UAE's easing of restrictions follows a similar policy by Qatar, which is set to host the World Cup later this month. 

The UAE is also expecting thousands of visitors during the tournament and has created a new multiple-entry visa for those travelling to Qatar for the tournament. 

An additional 5,000 flights have also been scheduled between Abu Dhabi and Doha during the World Cup, according to The National.