Latest: UAE secures deal to manufacture Sinopharm vaccine ahead of major inoculation push
*This story has been updated to reflect a clarification in the data
More than 800,000 Covid-19 vaccine jabs have been administered in the UAE so far.
In the weekly briefing on Tuesday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the UAE health sector, said since October 1 at least 826,301 vaccine doses have been administered. That is on average 47,000 doses administered each day.
That is the equivalent of 8.35 doses administered per 100 people in the total population. That compares to 15.83 in Israel, 3.62 in Bahrain and 1.38 in the US, according to data compiled by the Our World in Data website.
She also said the UAE was aiming to reach 50 per cent of the country's population by the end of March.
This came as the UAE reported a new high of Covid-19 cases with 1,967 infections recorded on Tuesday, after another 153,645 tests were carried out.
It raised the country's total infections since the start of the pandemic to 216,699. Of these, 193,321 patients have recovered after 1,866 more were cleared of the virus.
Three people died of complications over the past 24 hours, increasing the toll to 685.
Authorities said case numbers were rising around the world as well as within the UAE.
Dr Al Hosani said this was due to internal infections as well as travellers into the Emirates carrying Covid-19.
The UAE on Tuesday also announced a deal to manufacture the Sinopharm vaccine locally, in addition to securing millions of readily available shots for the population.
Health authorities launched a vaccine awareness campaign to encourage people to take the shot. Vaccinations are also being counted as part of the daily Covid-19 update.
The vaccine is optional and taken in two doses, three to four weeks apart.
The most vulnerable groups have priority but the briefing also heard the UAE wants to vaccinate young adults as they are contributing the most to the spread of the disease due to the nature of their lifestyle and activities.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
RESULTS
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
