Chinese tourists who are on temporary visit visas are now eligible to get the coronavirus vaccine in the UAE.
The arrangement means Chinese visitors are the first non-residents to have access since the vaccination campaign began in December.
UAE authorities and the Chinese Embassy set out the move on Sunday night.
It follows a meeting in the UAE in March between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and Wang Yi, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister.
Under the programme, administered by the Dubai Health Authority, Chinese nationals over the age of 16 who hold a short-term visa without UAE residency will be provided with two doses of the Sinopharm vaccine.
The Chinese company's vaccine received approval by the World Health Organisation in May for emergency use.
Chinese nationals temporarily visiting the UAE can visit the official websites of the Chinese embassy and the consulate-general in Dubai for details.
China and the UAE have co-operated throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, sharing expertise, resources and technology.
A factory in Ras Al Khaimah already makes a version of the Sinopharm vaccine named Hayat-Vax. Production will soon move to a dedicated facility in Abu Dhabi and be ramped up, under a venture between Sinopharm and Abu Dhabi technology company Group 42.
The UAE government has already included all citizens and residents in its national vaccination campaign.
As of last week, just under 74 per cent of the eligible population was inoculated against the virus. That is expected to rise quickly now that children aged 12 to 15 are eligible.
By some measurements, the UAE overtook Israel to top the global vaccine drive last week, administering more than 120 doses of vaccine per 100 people.
Company name: Play:Date
Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day
Founder: Shamim Kassibawi
Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US
Sector: Tech
Size: 20 employees
Stage of funding: Seed
Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
Naga
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMeshal%20Al%20Jaser%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdwa%20Bader%2C%20Yazeed%20Almajyul%2C%20Khalid%20Bin%20Shaddad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
