Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates eased compulsory coronavirus mask rules in certain areas of the country as a response to the drop in daily cases, according to the announcement of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA).

People no longer required by law to wear a mask are:

- People exercising in public places.

- Using private transportation with members of the same household.

- Medical center patients.

- People using swimming pools.

- Beachgoers.

- Customers of beauty salons and barber shops.

NCEMA added that a distance of two meters between people in public places must still be maintained.

Signs will be erected in places where masks are no longer compulsory.

The mask mandate was first introduced in early 2020 as a response to the spread of COVID-19.

Offenders were fined $816 for not wearing a mask in public.

Widespread PCR testing and an aggressive vaccination program implemented in 2021 led to a decrease in the number of cases.

The Emirati Health Ministry and NCEMA stressed the importance of adhering to the remaining rules regarding masks in public.