Covid-19 rules and precautionary measures have been in place for nearly two and a half years, but the UAE government announced on Sunday that all restrictions are being lifted to keep the country and its residents safe.

Mask wearing rules have been eased further. Masks will be optional in all open and closed facilities, including mosques and places of worship. Health facilities and centers for people with determination, however, will require masks to be worn. In mosques and prayer facilities, praying on personal mats is optional.

In a virtual briefing, a government spokesperson announced the second phase of the easing of restrictions. According to the official, the second phase of relaxations has been approved after carefully studying the epidemiological situation in the country and monitoring hospital and intensive care occupancy rates for Covid-19 infected patients, which have consistently fallen below 300 since the beginning of the year.

The restrictions and precautionary measures related to Covid-19 have been lifted. Masks will be optional in all open and closed facilities, including places of worship and mosques, except for health facilities and centers for people with disabilities, where they will be mandatory,” said the official, adding that praying on personal mats will be optional at mosques and praying facilities.

It is planned to activate the new relaxations on Monday, November 7 at 6am.

On request, Al Hosn will now require proof of vaccination, as well as PCR test results inside and outside the country. To enter public facilities and sites, the Al Hosn app will no longer require the Green Pass.

Covid-19 PCR testing and health facilities will continue to operate as before, according to the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA).

Sporting events and activities at the national or local levels may require pre-examinations or vaccination certificates, depending on the activity.