Coronavirus: what restrictions are still in place in the UAE?

Stay-home orders were lifted on Wednesday night but residents must still adhere to other safety measures to help stem the spread of Covid-19

Commuters cross a busy street in Dubai's old town. Pawan Singh / The National

Staff and nurses manage the front desk at King's College Hospital in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident braves the heat for a fitness session on the Corniche promenade. Victor Besa / The National

Cyclists carrying their lunch take a spin on the Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

Workers climb scaffolding at an under-construction building in Dubai's Satwa area. Pawan Singh / The National

A construction worker rests during the mandatory midday break, which runs through the summer. Pawan Singh / The National

Cranes tower over a building at Emaar's Dubai Hills development. Antonie Robertson / The National

Construction work on key developments continues amid virus outbreak. Antonie Robertson / The National

Ongoing construction work in the new Emaar development, Dubai Hills. Antonie Robertson / The National

A commuter walks to the bus stop with an umbrella in Jumeriah, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Pharmacy counter at King's College Hospital, Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident walks along the Corniche in her attempt to stay fit during the Covid-19 pandemic. Victor Besa / The National

Men wearing face masks at a pedestrian crossing in the Al Quoz industrial area, Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National

Careem and Deliveroo riders pictured on the streets of Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Stay-home orders imposed across the country to stem the spread of Covid-19 have now been lifted.

Officials revealed late on Wednesday night that restrictions on movement during night-time hours had been eased following the completion of a three-month national sterilisation programme.

It means residents - who were told to previously to remain indoors after 11pm in Dubai and 10pm in the rest of the country - can now venture outside once more.

Infection rates across the Emirates are continuing to decline, and the UAE is slowly inching back to normality.

Most businesses have now reopened, with cinemas in both Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah being the latest to welcome patrons again this week.

And more restrictions were relaxed across the UAE in recent days.

However, many safety measures designed to prevent a second wave of infections remain – and could be in place for some time.

But what are they?

The National explains.

Restrictions that apply nationwide

Face masks remain mandatory in the vast majority of cases.

Dubai has relaxed its rules surrounding masks slightly, with exceptions made for those alone, exercising, or people who have an illness that makes it difficult to breathe with a mask on.

The only other exception to rules on masks across the country is if someone is travelling in a car on their own.

There are numerous fines in place to govern the use of masks, including penalties for both employees and companies if people fail to wear them while at work.

No more than three people are allowed to travel together in a car, unless they are all members of the same family.

Social distancing of 2m should also be maintained at all times in public places, unless they are members of the same household.

Events, parties and gatherings are banned, and anyone found hosting or attending one will be fined.

"We stress that public gatherings are still prohibited, and avoidance of family visits is preferable to ensure the health and safety of all, commitment to social spacing, wearing masks and gloves when leaving the house," said Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesperson for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, UAE on Wednesday night.

Across the country, mosques and other places of worship also remain shut, as do nurseries, schools and universities.

Domestic workers are not supposed to meet anyone outside the household. The rule applies in all emirates except Dubai.

Children are now allowed to visit restaurants and malls, but those aged older than 70 are still barred from entering them in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. In Dubai, there are no longer any age restrictions.

Abu Dhabi

A ban has been in place on people entering the emirate since June 2.

Initially announced for seven days, but subsequently extended until June 23, residents of Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Dhafra can travel within their cities but not elsewhere in the emirate without first obtaining a permit.

Anyone wishing to leave is now free to do so, but a permit is required to re-enter the emirate. Employees working in vital sectors, chronic disease patients visiting hospitals, and those transporting goods are exempted.

Authorities have not yet allowed pools in residential buildings and compounds in Abu Dhabi to reopen.

Public beaches and cinemas also remain shut, as do nurseries, schools and universities.

Dubai

Many entertainment areas and now open again, but soft play areas and children’s “edutainment” centres including Kidzania and Oli Oli are still shut.

The Northern Emirates

Beaches remain closed in Umm Al Quwain until further notice.

Elsewhere, in Ras Al Khaimah, smoking, campfire and barbecues are prohibited on beaches and gatherings of more than five people are banned.