The UAE reported 3,539 new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday while 2,993 people were cleared of the virus – ending a 10-day streak of more daily recoveries than infections.
It raised total figures to 336,142 cases and 316,053 recoveries.
Nine patients died of related complications, increasing the death toll to 956. Seventeen people died on Tuesday, the deadliest day yet reported.
Active cases increased by more than 500, meaning 19,133 people currently have a positive coronavirus diagnosis.
Wednesday's new infections were detected after another 166,879 tests were carried out.
Almost 27.4 million DPI and PCR tests have been conducted in the country over the past year, making the UAE one of the top countries in the world for screenings per capita.
The UAE also ranks highly for most vaccine doses administered per population. More than 4.5 million doses have been administered since the country began its vaccination drive in December.
Another 157,414 were administered on Wednesday, raising the vaccination rate to 47.37 doses per 100 people.
The UAE authorised the use of four vaccines and appears on track to immunise at least 50 per cent of the population by the end of next month.
Authorities, meanwhile, tightened restrictions on public and private gatherings in an effort to bring infection rates back down.
On Wednesday, Ras Al Khaimah capped capacity limits on malls, gyms, pools, parks and beaches to between 50 per cent and 70 per cent.
No more than 10 family members can gather for a social event, while funerals are limited to 20 people.
Schools in Ajman extended online learning this week after opening for in-person classes for two weeks last month.
Private schools in Abu Dhabi are preparing to welcome pupils back to classrooms on Sunday. Lessons are scheduled to resume after being twice delayed since the start of the new term in January because of an increase in coronavirus infections.
Some pupils have not had in-person classes since March, 2020.
