Coronavirus: UAE exempts hand sanitisers, masks and gloves from VAT

Cabinet decision supports health sector during fight against Covid-19

Workers clean tables at the food court in Yas Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Safety precautions at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. Victor Besa / The National

Florists at Florette in Dubai prepare bouquets for delivery with Covid-19 prevention measures in place. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Florists at Florette in Dubai prepare bouquets for delivery with Covid-19 prevention measures in place. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Jasson Ramelo takes care of his stall at Jumeirah Fish Market. He says business has been slow since the outbreak.” Antonie Robertson / The National

Jasson Ramelo tends to his stall at Jumeirah Fish Market. Antonie Robertson / The National

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.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, chairs a UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, attend a UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

The UAE Cabinet speaks to teachers and pupils from schools across the UAE during the first week of the new academic year. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

The UAE Cabinet speaks to teachers and pupils from schools across the UAE during the first week of the new academic year. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

L-R: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, attend a UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

The UAE Cabinet meets at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

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."