Abu Dhabi residents living in the emirate on expired visas can now take the coronavirus vaccine.
The government dropped the requirement for anyone taking the doses to have a valid residency visa or Emirates ID.
The decision will cover "everyone with an expired residency or entry visa, for their safety and health, and in consideration of the exceptional circumstances resulting from the pandemic".
Nearly 85 per cent of eligible people over the age of 16 have taken the vaccine, offering protection for much of the population.
Booster shots of Sinopharm and Pfizer-BioNTech were introduced in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
The third shots are aimed at people who took the vaccine early on and whose antibodies may decline over time. There is also strong demand for the Pfizer shots, which are required for travel to a number of European Union nations.
Al Hosn app roll out in Dubai – in pictures
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A security guard wearing gloves checks the vaccine status of a guest at a bar in the Radisson Blu hotel in Dubai Media City. Pawan Singh / The National -
Patrons wait to have their Al Hosn vaccine app checked at the Radisson Blu in Dubai Media City. Pawan Singh / The National -
Licensed premises with a bar licence, rather than a restaurant licence, are required to check that all guests have had a vaccine or a recent PCR test. Pawan Singh / The National -
The latest requirement cuts the risk of people spreading the virus. Pawan Singh / The National -
Staff check the Al Hosn app before guests can enter bars and restaurants on Friday, June 11. Pawan Singh / The National. Story by Patrick
