Hand sanitisers, face masks and gloves will be exempt from VAT, the UAE Cabinet announced on Tuesday.
Medical equipment used in the treatment of patients with Covid-19, including disposable medical suits, respirators and goggles, will also be exempt from the 5 per cent tax.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi
It will support the country's health sector during the pandemic, the Cabinet said.
On Tuesday, Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, said the move would help hospitals to stock up on vital medical supplies to treat patients and protect themselves.
The Cabinet also issued a resolution on implementing a federal law concerning medically assisted reproduction.
It underlines the objectives of the law, responsibilities of licensed fertilisation centres, licensing requirements, genetic testing and requirements for gamete handling and storage, the state news agency Wam reported.
Earlier in the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed spoke to teachers and pupils from schools across the country by web conference, to mark the start of the academic year this week.
He said the UAE's achievements since its establishment stemmed from education.
"Our accomplishments and progress since the foundation of our beloved country, started from schools," Sheikh Mohammed said.
"With education, we shall continue our journey towards the future."
He also addressed the challenges facing schools that reopened for the first time on Sunday since March.
"The country exerts unwavering efforts to develop the educational system despite all circumstances," Sheikh Mohammed said.
"The previous school year is the best example of the strength of our educational system and its ability to continue without interruption in the most difficult circumstances."
THE BIG THREE
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
19 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 5 (2011, 14, 15, 18, 19)
French Open: 2 (2016, 21)
US Open: 3 (2011, 15, 18)
Australian Open: 9 (2008, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21)
Prize money: $150m
ROGER FEDERER
20 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 8 (2003, 04, 05, 06, 07, 09, 12, 17)
French Open: 1 (2009)
US Open: 5 (2004, 05, 06, 07, 08)
Australian Open: 6 (2004, 06, 07, 10, 17, 18)
Prize money: $130m
RAFAEL NADAL
20 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 2 (2008, 10)
French Open: 13 (2005, 06, 07, 08, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20)
US Open: 4 (2010, 13, 17, 19)
Australian Open: 1 (2009)
Prize money: $125m
THREE
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Teachers' pay - what you need to know
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
