Dubai Issues New Rules for People with Contagious Diseases
New travel protocols and health rules aim to strengthen the city’s fight against communicable illnesses.
- Publish date: Wednesday، 23 April 2025
If you're sick, don’t book that flight just yet. Dubai has just dropped a major health regulation update, and it's all about keeping the city safe from communicable diseases — with serious rules for travel, public spaces, and more.
In a new law signed off by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, residents and visitors must now follow strict protocols if they’re infected with — or even suspected of having — a contagious illness.
✈️ Travel? Not Without DHA Approval
Under the law, individuals who are infected or suspected of being infected are required to stay put — no travelling or moving around unless it’s to a healthcare facility and only with a green light from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). No sneaky airport runs allowed.
🚫 Don’t Hide Your Sickness
The legislation also gets tough on those who try to keep their illness on the down low. Whether it’s intentional or not, hiding or spreading an infectious disease is officially a no-go. People must follow all health measures set by local authorities and medical professionals to prevent potential outbreaks.
🧼 Hygiene Is Law
Travellers arriving in Dubai will need to follow hygiene protocols like mask-wearing and social distancing. They’re also required to declare if they have — or suspect they have — an infectious disease and must provide accurate health info at entry points.
🛠️ It’s Bigger Than Just Travel
Beyond just movement restrictions, the law lays out a comprehensive blueprint for managing public health risks across sectors. Think food safety regulations, pest control, consumer product rules, and even tobacco use — all aligned under a health-first mission, with different government entities like Dubai Municipality and DHA in charge of various areas.
With this move, Dubai is aligning local protocols with global health regulations, aiming for a smarter, faster response to public health challenges.
So whether you’re living here or just visiting, it’s time to keep those sanitizers close, masks handy, and follow the rulebook — because in Dubai, staying healthy is a group project.
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