Dubai Airport Mask Rules: What You Need To Know

As of September 28, 2022, masks are no longer mandatory for passengers travelling through Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports. However, airlines can request passengers to wear masks on board if deemed necessary or according to the rules of their final destination. This relaxation of COVID-19 protocols follows a sharp drop in infection rates and no longer applies in hospitals, places of worship, and on public transport.

Masks are not mandatory on flights with Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways

As of September 28, 2022, masks are no longer mandatory on flights with Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways. This means that, generally, passengers travelling with these airlines will not be required to wear a mask during their journey.

However, it is important to note that the final destination's rules may override this. For example, if you are travelling to a place that requires masks to be worn, the airline will ask passengers to wear a face covering. This is in line with the statement released by Emirates on their website:

> "Wearing a face mask is optional in the UAE and on Emirates flights. If you are travelling from or transiting through Dubai International, the mask rules of your destination will apply throughout your journey."

Etihad Airways has also released a similar statement, specifying that masks will be required for passengers flying to certain countries:

> "Masks are optional and will only be required for passengers flying to China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Philippines, South Korea, Seychelles or *Canada (*until 30 September only)."

Similarly, a spokesperson for flydubai has stated that:

> "Effective from September 28, 2022, face masks will be optional for passengers travelling to Dubai. Passengers travelling from or transiting through Dubai will be requested to wear a face mask if it is required at their final destination."

Masks are not mandatory at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC)

As of Wednesday, September 28, 2022, masks are no longer mandatory for passengers at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). This means that if you're travelling through either of these airports, you will not be required to wear a mask while inside the airport.

However, it's important to note that individual airlines may still request passengers to wear masks on board their flights, depending on the specific requirements or rules applicable at intermediate or final destinations. For example, if your final destination requires masks to be worn, the airline may ask you to wear a face covering for the duration of the journey.

Additionally, according to the new rules laid out by the UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), masks are still required in certain settings across the country, including hospitals, places of worship, and public transport.

The decision to make masks optional in Dubai's airports comes as part of a wider relaxation of COVID-19 protocols in the UAE, following a sharp drop in infection rates.

Airlines can request passengers to wear masks if deemed necessary

As of September 28, 2022, masks are no longer mandatory for passengers travelling through Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports. This means that, in most public places, including airports, malls, schools, supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants, wearing a mask is optional in Dubai.

However, airlines can request that passengers wear masks onboard if deemed necessary. This may be due to specific requirements or rules applicable at intermediate or final destinations. For example, if the final destination requires masks to be worn, the airline will ask passengers to wear a face covering for the duration of the journey.

Etihad Airways has stated that masks will be required for passengers flying to certain countries, including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, the Philippines, South Korea, Seychelles, and Canada. Similarly, passengers travelling to or transiting through Dubai airports on Emirates or flydubai flights will need to follow the Covid safety rules of their final destination, which may include wearing masks.

The decision to relax mask mandates in Dubai and on UAE-based airlines follows a drop in COVID-19 infection rates and is in line with the directives of the country's COVID-19 Control and Command Centre. While masks are no longer mandatory in most indoor spaces across the UAE, they are still required in hospitals, places of worship, and on public transport.

Masks are still required in hospitals, places of worship, and on public transport

As of September 28, 2022, masks are no longer mandatory for passengers at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports. However, airlines can request passengers to wear masks on board if deemed necessary or according to the rules of their final destination.

While masks are no longer required in most public places in Dubai, they are still mandatory in hospitals, places of worship, and on public transport. This means that even if you are not required to wear a mask at the airport or on your flight, you may need to wear one upon arrival at your final destination if it is one of the locations that still requires masks.

For example, if you are flying with Emirates, the airline has stated that "if you are travelling from or transiting through Dubai International, the mask rules of your destination will apply throughout your journey." Similarly, Etihad Airways requires masks for passengers flying to certain destinations, including India, China, and the Maldives. Therefore, it is important to check the specific requirements of your airline and final destination before travelling.

In addition to hospitals, places of worship, and public transport, there may be other locations in Dubai where masks are still required. It is always a good idea to stay informed about the latest guidelines and regulations to ensure you are following the appropriate protocols.

Final destination rules may require masks to be worn on board

As of September 28, 2022, masks are no longer mandatory for passengers travelling through Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports. However, final destination rules may require masks to be worn on board.

A spokesperson for Dubai Airports clarified that:

> "Based on their specific requirements or the rules applicable at intermediate or final destinations, airlines can, however, request passengers to wear the face mask on board if deemed necessary."

This means that if your final destination requires masks to be worn, the airline will ask passengers to wear a face covering. Emirates, for example, has stated that "if you are travelling from or transiting through Dubai International, the mask rules of your destination will apply throughout your journey."

Etihad Airways, on the other hand, has only made masks mandatory for passengers flying to certain destinations, including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, the Philippines, South Korea, Seychelles, and Canada.

Therefore, while masks may not be required at Dubai airports, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations of your final destination, as these may require you to wear a mask on board your flight. It is always a good idea to check the latest guidelines and requirements before travelling to ensure compliance with the necessary health and safety protocols.

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