More supplies of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are expected in Dubai soon, while Russia’s Sputnik V and any other approved inoculations will be used as needed.
Dr Amer Sharif, head of Dubai’s Covid-19 command centre, said the goal was to vaccinate 100 per cent of eligible adults by the final three months of 2021.
He also countered reports that hospitals were full. He said the private sector had been instrumental in providing bed capacity recently.
In an interview with Bloomberg TV on Sunday, the senior official said the government was confident a steady supply of vaccines was in the pipeline.
We've looked at different decisions, whether it's partial lockdown or full lockdown. It's striking the balance
The Pfizer-BioNTech shot was the first to be approved by the World Health Organisation – but sheer demand and the need to keep it frozen at minus 70°C has led to global shortages.
“The Pfizer supply has been a global challenge and we’re no different than any other country,” Dr Sharif said.
“There has been a lot of discussion with the Pfizer reps in the region. We know that there will be new supplies coming in soon. But in addition to Pfizer, the government has made available other vaccines, such as AstraZeneca-Oxford. Any vaccine that has been approved by the health authorities will be made available.”
Dr Sharif was asked by Bloomberg anchor Manus Cranny about the use of Russia’s Sputnik V, which was approved for emergency use by UAE federal authorities last month.
Moscow faced serious questions about the speed at which Sputnik V was tested and trialled – but it now appears to be safe and among the most effective against the coronavirus, The Lancet reported last week.
"The Ministry of Health has approved ... the Sputnik vaccine, which lately published its data in The Lancet," Dr Sharif said.
“Health authorities are study the emerging releases and, based on the approvals, any vaccine that goes through approvals will be made available.”
Coping with the surge
Dr Sharif was asked about the recent spike in which daily cases rose from less than 1,000 in late December to nearly 4,000 last week. Cases have since dropped to about 3,200.
“We’ve been lucky that we have a very successful public-private partnership ... and we’ve been able to be very agile and flexible,” he said.
“Accordingly, the system is now able to keep up with all of the people who require treatment in the emirate of Dubai, whether it’s additional beds for Covid ... for moderate and severe cases. We’re before the curve.
“We’re very comfortable with the current capacity available to deal with Covid cases across the system and we’ll make sure that no one in Dubai who needs to be treated will be denied access.”
Second lockdown was considered
Dr Sharif was asked whether tougher measures on personal freedom, including a return to a stay-at-home order first imposed last April, was considered in response to the recent surge.
“We’ve looked at different decisions, whether it’s partial lockdown or full lockdown, heightening our precautionary measures or lifting some restrictions,” he said.
“So far, the current situation is what the leadership has decided and it’s striking the balance again between the safety and well-being of our people, and also social well-being and economic sustainability.
“We’re monitoring the numbers and we’re monitoring the rolling averages and the healthcare [situation]. And that’s where we come in with decisions based on data and based on science.”
Are most virus cases in Dubai?
Dr Sharif declined to give figures, but suggested it was expected that Dubai, the largest Emirati city and commercial capital of the Middle East, would have a large proportion of cases.
“The nature of Dubai, the size of Dubai, the population density ... as expected there will be numbers that contribute towards the overall number of the country,” he said.
“We also need to be aware that the nature of the city, being a service-driven city. We need to make sure that we strike the balance between the numbers of cases, and also the social and economic well-being of our people.”
Hitting herd immunity this year
Dr Sharif, who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine last month, reiterated the goal set by federal officials of vaccinating 50 per cent of the eligible population – which does not include children – by the end of March.
He said the longer-term plan is to hit 100 per cent in the final three months of 2021.
“We’ve seen a great response from people and I’d like to thank them for their sense of responsibility,” he said.
“We’re planning for 50 per cent [by end of March] and we’re planning for 100 per cent of eligible adults by Q4 of this year.”
“The health authorities and all of our colleagues are working towards making that happen. And I would encourage everyone to continue to be vaccinated.”
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Freezer tips
- Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
- If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
- Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
- The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
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
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
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.
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
2019 ASIAN CUP FINAL
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
