Latest: Live updates as coronavirus cases rise
The UAE has joined the front line of the global fight against Covid-19 after approving a nationwide rollout of China’s Sinopharm vaccine.
But how does the vaccine compare to others now set for for wider public use – and can it end the pandemic?
How does the Sinopharm vaccine work ?
Developed by scientists at China’s state-owned pharmaceutical enterprise, the vaccine follows the tried-and-tested route of training the body’s immune system to detect and destroy viruses using injections of deactivated virus.
For the Covid-19 coronavirus, researchers used a compound which stops the virus from replicating, but still allow it to trigger a response from the immune system.
The deactivated virus method has been safely used for decades to create vaccines against viruses ranging from influenza and polio to rabies.
How is it given ?
By injection into a muscle – usually in the upper arm. Because the virus has been deactivated, the body’s response is relatively weak, so two injections are needed over 28 days.
How do we know it’s safe and effective ?
In April, Chinese officials approved small trials in volunteers to check that the vaccine triggered an immune response without serious side-effects. The results – published in the respected medical journal The Lancet – led to approval for a far larger "Phase III" study in collaboration with the UAE.
Since September, 31,000 volunteers from 125 nations in the age-range 18 to 60 have been given the vaccine.
While the results have not been formally published, according to the UAE health ministry the vaccine is 86 per cent effective in preventing Covid-19, and 100 per cent effective in preventing moderate or severe cases of the disease.
But on December 30, 2020, Sinopharm announced that phase three trials of the vaccine showed that it was 79 per cent effective.
The results also showed that the vaccine successfully triggered an immune system response in 99 per cent of patients – but without any serious side-effects.
Further studies are continuing in the UAE and elsewhere, including Jordan, Brazil, Morocco and Serbia.
Why was it not tested in China ?
Ironically, because of China’s success in combating the virus through the rapid introduction of lockdowns. This has led to rates of infection dropping so low it is hard to test whether a vaccine protects against Covid-19.
Even so, in July Chinese officials authorised the emergency use of the vaccine, which has now been given to almost one million people. This is expected to give valuable insights into the rate of side-effects.
How does it compare to other approved Covid vaccines ?
Earlier this month, a vaccine developed by Pfizer and the German biotech company BioNTech became the first to announce positive early results from a Phase III study. Involving over 43,000 volunteers, the results showed a 95 per cent success in preventing Covid-19 after two doses, and no serious safety concerns.
It has become the first to be approved by independent regulators, following sign-off by officials in the UK. Approval in the US and European Union is expected to follow within weeks.
However, the vaccine is based on a radically different from that used in the Sinopharm vaccine. Instead of using deactivated virus, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine reprogrammes the body’s own cells to create fragments of the virus themselves.
This is done via two injections of genetic instructions in the form of mRNA, which the cells use to make a part of the virus which trains the immune system to detect the full virus if infection occurs.
While the idea of “re-programming” healthy cells in this way has been around for many years, it has never been successfully used before. Attempts to use it to combat other diseases have led to serious side-effects, but experts point out that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine involves much lower doses.
Even so, reports of side-effects among three healthcare workers have led UK regulators to advise that those with a history of serious allergic reactions should not be given the vaccine.
In Dubai, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is initially available to people aged over 60, those with chronic diseases, people with disabilities, frontline workers and people in essential sectors.
It is available at seven healthcare centres in the emirate.
From April, the vaccine will be given to all age groups, officials said earlier this month.
Officials hope to vaccinate 70 per cent of the population by later this year as part of efforts to achieve 'herd immunity'.
The vaccine, which was found to be 95 per cent effective in late-stage trials, is administered for free on a voluntary basis.
UAE residents can register and book appointments for the vaccination through the DHA app or the DHA’s free number 800 342.
The Sinopharm vaccine is available across all health centres.
What other vaccines are available ?
According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 vaccines are currently under development. The next to win independent approval is expected to be the vaccine developed at Oxford University in collaboration with AstraZeneca.
This involves injecting a harmless, deactivated virus that has been modified to carry a part of the Covid virus on its surface. This triggers a reaction from the immune system, which is then primed to attack the real virus if infection occurs.
According to results based on 11,000 volunteers published in The Lancet earlier this month, the vaccine is 70 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic infections, with no serious side-effects.
Meanwhile, the Sputnik V vaccine developed in Russia uses a similar approach, but with two different viruses. It is claimed to be 95 per cent effective, with around a quarter of volunteers experiencing mild side-effects.
So are we close to bringing the pandemic under control ?
Despite the hoopla over the approval of the first vaccines, serious questions and challenges remain. While attention has focused on the effectiveness of the vaccines, the impressive figures relate only to prevention of Covid-19 – not protection against infection. It remains unclear whether vaccinated people can still carry the virus and thus inadvertently spread it to others.
Even if the vaccines are effective against infection, they will still fail to stop the pandemic unless enough people are vaccinated. Experts calculate that around 70 per cent of the population need to be treated to achieve so-called herd immunity, where so many people are protected that the virus can no longer thrive.
The logistics of making and delivering vast quantities of the vaccine around the world are daunting. Some of the vaccines – such as the mRNA types – have to be kept at very low temperatures until injected. The reluctance of people to be vaccinated – so-called vaccine hesitancy – may also prove to be a major barrier to ending the pandemic.
Robert Matthews is Visiting Professor of Science at Aston University, Birmingham, UK
FA CUP FINAL
Chelsea 1
Hazard (22' pen)
Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Mica
Director: Ismael Ferroukhi
Stars: Zakaria Inan, Sabrina Ouazani
3 stars
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
More coverage from the Future Forum
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Tabby%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%20August%202019%3B%20platform%20went%20live%20in%20February%202020%3Cbr%3EFounder%2FCEO%3A%20Hosam%20Arab%2C%20co-founder%3A%20Daniil%20Barkalov%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Payments%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2040-50%20employees%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Arbor%20Ventures%2C%20Mubadala%20Capital%2C%20Wamda%20Capital%2C%20STV%2C%20Raed%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Founders%20Capital%2C%20JIMCO%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Outliers%20VC%2C%20MSA%20Capital%2C%20HOF%20and%20AB%20Accelerator.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
In numbers
- Number of children under five will fall from 681 million in 2017 to 401m in 2100
- Over-80s will rise from 141m in 2017 to 866m in 2100
- Nigeria will become the world’s second most populous country with 791m by 2100, behind India
- China will fall dramatically from a peak of 2.4 billion in 2024 to 732 million by 2100
- an average of 2.1 children per woman is required to sustain population growth
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Specs
Engine: 2-litre
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 255hp
Torque: 273Nm
Price: Dh240,000
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
RESULTS
Light Flyweight (48kg): Alua Balkibekova (KAZ) beat Gulasal Sultonalieva (UZB) by points 4-1.
Flyweight (51kg): Nazym Kyzaibay (KAZ) beat Mary Kom (IND) 3-2.
Bantamweight (54kg): Dina Zholaman (KAZ) beat Sitora Shogdarova (UZB) 3-2.
Featherweight (57kg): Sitora Turdibekova (UZB) beat Vladislava Kukhta (KAZ) 5-0.
Lightweight (60kg): Rimma Volossenko (KAZ) beat Huswatun Hasanah (INA) KO round-1.
Light Welterweight (64kg): Milana Safronova (KAZ) beat Lalbuatsaihi (IND) 3-2.
Welterweight (69kg): Valentina Khalzova (KAZ) beat Navbakhor Khamidova (UZB) 5-0
Middleweight (75kg): Pooja Rani (IND) beat Mavluda Movlonova (UZB) 5-0.
Light Heavyweight (81kg): Farida Sholtay (KAZ) beat Ruzmetova Sokhiba (UZB) 5-0.
Heavyweight (81 kg): Lazzat Kungeibayeva (KAZ) beat Anupama (IND) 3-2.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
Last-16
France 4
Griezmann (13' pen), Pavard (57'), Mbappe (64', 68')
Argentina 3
Di Maria (41'), Mercado (48'), Aguero (90 3')
What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
The Cairo Statement
1: Commit to countering all types of terrorism and extremism in all their manifestations
2: Denounce violence and the rhetoric of hatred
3: Adhere to the full compliance with the Riyadh accord of 2014 and the subsequent meeting and executive procedures approved in 2014 by the GCC
4: Comply with all recommendations of the Summit between the US and Muslim countries held in May 2017 in Saudi Arabia.
5: Refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of countries and of supporting rogue entities.
6: Carry out the responsibility of all the countries with the international community to counter all manifestations of extremism and terrorism that threaten international peace and security
Get Out
Director: Jordan Peele
Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford
Four stars
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
ANDROID%20VERSION%20NAMES%2C%20IN%20ORDER
%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Alpha%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Beta%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Cupcake%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Donut%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Eclair%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Froyo%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Gingerbread%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Honeycomb%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Ice%20Cream%20Sandwich%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Jelly%20Bean%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20KitKat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Lollipop%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Marshmallow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Nougat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Oreo%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Pie%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2010%20(Quince%20Tart*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2011%20(Red%20Velvet%20Cake*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2012%20(Snow%20Cone*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2013%20(Tiramisu*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2014%20(Upside%20Down%20Cake*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2015%20(Vanilla%20Ice%20Cream*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3E*%20internal%20codenames%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Meydan racecard:
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (PA) Group 1 | US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres
7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) Listed | $250,000 (D) | 1,600m
7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) Conditions | $100,000 (Turf) | 1,400m
8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) Group 3 | $200,000 (D) | 1,200m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m
10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m
GOODBYE%20JULIA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohamed%20Kordofani%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiran%20Riak%2C%20Eiman%20Yousif%2C%20Nazar%20Goma%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
match info
Manchester United 3 (Martial 7', 44', 74')
Sheffield United 0
Company info
Company name: Entrupy
Co-founders: Vidyuth Srinivasan, co-founder/chief executive, Ashlesh Sharma, co-founder/chief technology officer, Lakshmi Subramanian, co-founder/chief scientist
Based: New York, New York
Sector/About: Entrupy is a hardware-enabled SaaS company whose mission is to protect businesses, borders and consumers from transactions involving counterfeit goods.
Initial investment/Investors: Entrupy secured a $2.6m Series A funding round in 2017. The round was led by Tokyo-based Digital Garage and Daiwa Securities Group's jointly established venture arm, DG Lab Fund I Investment Limited Partnership, along with Zach Coelius.
Total customers: Entrupy’s customers include hundreds of secondary resellers, marketplaces and other retail organisations around the world. They are also testing with shipping companies as well as customs agencies to stop fake items from reaching the market in the first place.
