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.
مع بداية عام دراسي جديد في بلادنا ... ترأست اليوم اجتماعاً لمجلس الوزراء .. تابعنا في بدايته سير العملية التعليمية في الدولة .. وتواصلنا مع مجموعة من المدارس والطلاب والمعلمين في الميدان للاطمئنان عليهم .. pic.twitter.com/rshJVun6F2
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 1, 2020
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."
