UAE daily Covid-19 cases remain below 1,000 for the 18th consecutive day

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The UAE recorded 744 new Covid-19 infections on Friday, its lowest daily tally for one year.

Case numbers have now remained below 1,000 for 18 consecutive days.

Infection rates have steadily declined during the summer months, having peaked at close to 4,000 a day in early February.

The last time daily infections were lower was on September 8, 2020, when 644 positive tests were reported.

The Ministry of Health conducted 268,878 tests over the last 24 hours, bringing the total to over 77.6 million.

Three people died due to complications, bringing the total to 2,060, and 961 people recovered.

The falling cases comes as the Dubai gears up to host Expo 2020 Dubai, from October 1 until March 31.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid hosted a meeting with the Supreme Committee for Disaster and Crisis Management in Dubai on Thursday to discuss the country's readiness for the World's Fair.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai praised the team responsible for the safety of the event - which also managed the emirate’s response to the pandemic - and said "they were up to the responsibility in the past period".

Meanwhile, the UAE announced it will allow the return of all those with a valid residence visa from September 12, provided they have a vaccine recognised by the World Health Organisation.

The move includes those coming from countries previously on a suspension list, and those who stayed abroad for over six months.

Previously the UAE only recognised vaccines administered in the Emirates.

The decision covers passengers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria and Afghanistan.

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