Vaccination has emerged as one of the most critical tools in modern medicine, not only for individual health but also for sustaining global public health and economic stability. One of the most common vaccine-preventable deaths worldwide is pneumococcal disease with the majority of deaths occurring in developing countries.
Global and regional experts, researchers, and healthcare leaders recently discussed the powerful role of vaccines in reducing the burden of infectious diseases that cause respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumococcal diseases, and Sars Cov2, during the Pfizer Middle East, Russia and Africa Vaccine Summit, in Dubai.
Dr Iona Munjal, executive director of Pfizer vaccine clinical research and development, said: "By preventing illnesses before they occur, immunisation not only saves lives but also strengthens healthcare systems and drives economic growth. It empowers individuals to lead healthier lives, supports workforce productivity, and reduces the burden on healthcare systems. This is particularly important in combating diseases like RSV and pneumococcal infections, which can have a devastating impact on public health, especially on vulnerable populations."
Vaccines to address antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global health threat, undermining the effectiveness of antibiotics and making infections harder to treat. Vaccination plays a pivotal role in combating AMR by preventing infection that would otherwise require antibiotic treatment, thereby reducing the misuse and overuse of these vital medicines. A report by the World Health Organisation found vaccines against 23 pathogens could decrease the number of antibiotics needed by 22 per cent. Vaccines have also been estimated to prevent more than half a million deaths associated with AMR around the world annually.
Dr Nawal Al Kaabi is a paediatric infectious disease consultant at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi and chairperson of the prevention and control of infection committee at health services company Seha.
She highlighted the role of vaccines in the region, noting that they are indispensable to address regional health challenges. “In a region characterised by high population density and extensive international travel, the risk of spreading respiratory diseases is elevated. Immunisation protects the most vulnerable groups by preventing severe cases and reducing antibiotic use and hospitalisations,” she said.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups
High-risk population immunisation focuses on protecting individuals who are more vulnerable to severe outcomes from infectious diseases. This includes older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, infants, pregnant women, immunocompromised patients and underserved communities. Tailored immunisation strategies for these groups help prevent complications, reduce hospitalisations and save lives.
For infants, vaccinations are a crucial foundation for health, sometimes beginning even before birth. Through maternal immunisation, vaccines protect vulnerable infants and children by preventing life-threatening diseases as early as their first breath. This approach provides immunity to babies during their first months of life when they otherwise would be too young for a direct vaccination. Similarly, vaccines ensure older children are protected from potentially fatal diseases during the early years of life.
A legacy in vaccine development
Pfizer's commitment to vaccines dates back over a century, marked by innovative strides in immunology and public health. The company’s work extends from helping eradicate smallpox and developing the breakthrough mRNA Covid-19 vaccine to creating vaccines for pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, and RSV via maternal immunisations.
In the Middle East and Africa region, Pfizer works closely with local healthcare systems and government bodies to address pressing health challenges.
Dr Hammam Haridy, Pfizer MERA senior director of regional medical and scientific affairs for vaccines and anti-virals, stressed Pfizer’s focus on regional collaboration.
He said: “Our work in the region focused on reducing the burden of infectious diseases and decreasing the use of antibiotics for several life-threatening illnesses. Through initiatives like the MERA Vaccine Summit, we aim to collaborate with regional healthcare providers to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and help protect vulnerable groups.”
Advancing immunisation for a healthier tomorrow
Innovations in immunisation continue to reshape the future of public health, harnessing cutting-edge technologies and scientific breakthroughs to combat infectious diseases more effectively than ever before. From mRNA advancements to maternal immunisation and beyond, these innovations are not only expanding the possibilities of disease prevention but also creating faster, more adaptable solutions for global health challenges.
“The next generation of vaccines is transforming the ways we approach disease prevention. With ongoing advancements, we are not only protecting individuals but also building a foundation for more resilient healthcare systems in the region,” said Pfizer's Dr Munjal.
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Citizenship-by-investment programmes
United Kingdom
The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).
All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.
The Caribbean
Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport.
Portugal
The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.
“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.
Greece
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.
Spain
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.
Malta
The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.
Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.
Egypt
A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.
Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
