COVID-19: Dubai grants permits for face mask exemptions

Eligibility Criteria
Application Process

While it’s crucial to wear face masks to control the spread the Covid-19, there are a few people who suffer from certain medical conditions that can aggravate with mask use. To cater to such individuals, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in collaboration with Dubai Police, has recently announced permits for face mask exemptions in Dubai.

Keep reading to know about the eligibility criteria and application process for face mask exemptions in the UAE.

stack of masks — *DHA has made exceptions for those with medical conditions that can be aggravated by face masks*

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A MASK EXEMPTION IN DUBAI?

While the general public is required to follow the set guidelines for face masks in Dubai, people with the following medical conditions can apply for exemptions from wearing a mask:

Those suffering from allergic, contact or fungal dermatitis
Individuals with uncontrolled asthma
Patients with acute chronic sinusitis
People of determination with mental and psychological conditions
Patients with severe herpes simplex infection in mouth, nose or face

HOW TO APPLY FOR A MASK EXEMPTION IN DUBAI?

woman wearing mask — *Make sure to submit your medical report while applying for face mask exemption* *in the UAE*

If you experience any of the above-listed medical conditions:

Visit dxbpermit.gov.ae
Apply for ‘Mask Exemption Permit’
Select the ‘Category’ from the dropdown menu
Select your ‘Medical Condition’
Enter the details of your medical condition in ‘Description’
Click ‘Next’
Attach your medical documents and Emirates ID
Apply and wait for the evaluation by the DHA’s General Medical Committee Office

The evaluation will be completed within five days and the UAE face mask exemption permit will be granted on a case-to-case basis.

While wearing masks is the best way to protect yourself and others from coronavirus, DHA has explained that the sole purpose of the exemption is to ease the lives of those suffering from medical issues which are aggravated by mask use. This is one of the major initiatives taken to take care of the residents’ well-being amid the coronavirus pandemic in the UAE.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the government has been taking major steps for coronavirus prevention in the UAE. During the past six months, they have cancelled major events across the UAE and launched disinfection drives in Dubai. The government has left no stone unturned in controlling the spread of infection.