diff --git a/.gitlab-ci.yml b/.gitlab-ci.yml
index 4aabb1e92..3a89ce851 100644
--- a/.gitlab-ci.yml
+++ b/.gitlab-ci.yml
@@ -25,8 +25,6 @@ test:
 connected10:
   variables:
     AVD_SDK: "10"
-    # switch glibc to a memory conserving mode
-    MALLOC_ARENA_MAX: "2"
   script:
     - export GRADLE_USER_HOME=$PWD/.gradle
     - emulator64-arm -avd fcl-test-$AVD_SDK -no-skin -no-audio -no-window &
@@ -52,8 +50,6 @@ connected10:
 connected17:
   variables:
     AVD_SDK: "17"
-    # switch glibc to a memory conserving mode
-    MALLOC_ARENA_MAX: "2"
   script:
     - export GRADLE_USER_HOME=$PWD/.gradle
     - emulator64-arm -avd fcl-test-$AVD_SDK -no-skin -no-audio -no-window &