UAE: No pre-departure PCR tests for inbound vaccinated travellers, masks not mandatory outdoors

The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced a sweeping relaxation of Covid-19 precautionary measures in the country starting Saturday, February 26, 2022.

Accordingly, wearing of masks is optional outdoors, although it is mandatory in public indoor spaces.

Also, quarantine requirements for Covid-19 contacts has been scrapped. However, public sector employees who are contacts of Covid-19 cases must undertake a PCR tests daily for five days.

The NCEMA added that existing isolation protocols for those infected with the virus will continue as previously announced. These individuals will though no longer wear wristbands.

The NCEMA noted that each emirate has the flexibility to determine the duration of the quarantine period and PCR testing protocols for Covid contacts in their respective sectors and professions.

No pre-departure PCR test for vaccinated inbound passengers
The NCEMA said that vaccinated travellers do not need to conduct a pre-departure PCR test when heading to the UAE, provided that they have a Covid-19 vaccination certificate with a QR code on it.

Read: Bahrain scraps PCR testing, quarantine requirements on arrival

Meanwhile, unvaccinated travellers heading to the UAE must show a negative PCR test conducted within 48 hours of departure, or a recovery certificate with a QR code that confirms they have recovered from the virus within a month of the date of travel.

في ظل العودة التدريجية للحياة الطبيعية الجديدة، وعودة الأنشطة المختلفة للدولة، تقرر تخفيف إجراءات الصلاة في المساجد والسفر وحضور مختلف الفعاليات بالإضافة عودة الأنشطة الرياضية في #الإمارات.#يدا_بيد_نتعافى pic.twitter.com/z1cA3AoXTg

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) February 25, 2022

Updates to precautionary measures in mosques
The authority also approved the return of the pre-pandemic time intervals between prayer calls and the iqaamah, in addition to the return of Noble Qur’an books in mosques in a limited number on the condition that it is sterilised after each prayer, according to state-run news agency WAM. The current requirement to maintain one metre spacing between worshipers in mosques and places of worship will remain in effect.

Use of green pass
The NCEMA stressed that the green pass or a negative PCR test result conducted not more than 96 hours prior will continue to be required to attend all local events, exhibitions, cultural and social activities.

For economic and tourist sectors, physical distancing has been cancelled although wearing of masks in closed places is still mandatory.

The authority announced the return of all sports activities for all age groups, while obligating the public to follow the green pass protocol or present a negative PCR of not more than 96 hours, in addition to maintaining the mandatory wearing of masks in all outdoor and indoor spaces given the turnout found in such activities.

Separately, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee added that the green pass will no longer be required to enter Abu Dhabi starting Monday, February 28, 2022, and the EDE scanners will also be removed from entry points to the emirate too.