Young children and over-60s will not be allowed to enter malls, supermarkets or shops in the UAE to help limit the spread of Covid-19.
The federal crisis authority clarified earlier rules that had varied between the emirates.
The nationwide decision affects all children under the age of 12.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said the ruling covered all "shopping malls, cooperative societies, and supermarkets".
"They are also prohibited from entering retail stores located outside shopping centres," officials said.
"These precautions are in order to ensure their health and safety."
Dubai had previously barred children aged 3 to 12 and adults over 60 from shopping malls specifically.
Abu Dhabi shopping centres had denied entry to those aged over 60 but not children.
The government has set out various fines for members of the public and retailers who ignore such rules.
The UAE’s malls reopened last week with restrictions to limit the number of customers to 30 per cent of their usual capacity.
Any resident leaving home must wear a mask and must ensure it remains on wherever they go.
They must maintain a safe distance from each other and expect to have their temperature checked at mall entrances.
In Dubai, children were initially barred from exercising outside, but the authorities later said they “may accompany their parents to walk in their neighbourhood for 1-2 hours, so long as they are taking the right precautions... limiting the number to three people only and wearing face masks,” said Dubai Media Office.
The UAE has relaxed some of the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of Covid-19, although the rules on what is now permitted can vary between the emirates.
People must remain indoors between 10pm and 6am but can leave their homes to shop and outside of those times.
