UAE vaccination campaign: how to book an appointment as health officials extend inoculation drive


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The UAE is expanding efforts to inoculate all residents against Covid-19 by urging people still waiting for the vaccine to book appointments immediately.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Health and Prevention opened additional appointment slots for all residents across the Emirates.

In Dubai, any resident over the age of 16 can now schedule their first or second dose of the vaccine at one of the participating Ministry of Health centres in the city.

Vaccination centres operated by the Dubai Health Authority are still accepting appointments on a priority basis. Slots are only available for the elderly, frontline workers, people with chronic illnesses and over-40s.

In the capital, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) is administering first and second doses of the vaccine to all residents over the age of 16, at a number of tents and centres throughout the city.

Abu Dhabi appointments for the Sinopharm vaccine can be made through the Seha application. Only elderly residents and people with chronic health conditions can have walk-in appointments, all others must be pre-booked, health authorities said.

For the past six weeks,  across the country, shots of the vaccine were reserved for at–risk groups, including the elderly and those with underlying health issues.

In February, the Ministry of Health made the decision to limit the vaccine to special cases following a spike in infections at the beginning of the year.

Here, The National explains how you can book your jab.

Eligibility 

Eligible citizens and residents aged 16 and above can now be inoculated free of charge at any of the 205 vaccination locations nationwide, the health ministry said in a statement.

Vulnerable people without appointments will continue to receive priority at walk-in clinics.

Availability

The UAE has approved four Covid-19 vaccines for use: Sinopharm; Pfizer-BioNTech; Sputnik V; and Oxford-AstraZeneca.

Residents and citizens holding Abu Dhabi visas are eligible to receive the Sinopharm vaccine at all Seha-run facilities and participating Ministry of Health centres.

In the other emirates, health centres are administering all other jabs.

The type of vaccination you receive depends on availability and a patient’s risk of contraindications.

Dr Ramzi Alshaiba, medical director and specialist of general surgery at Bareen International Hospital in Abu Dhabi said the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine was available for citizens and residents, but strictly by appointment only.

“We advise our patients to visit our website or WhatsApp the Bareen hotline to book an appointment,” he said.

“Since we have just started opening slots, we are able to give appointments within the same week from the time we receive the query.”

There is a purpose-built Covid-19 vaccine tent on the hospital's premises.

A spokesperson for VPS Healthcare, which has 27 centres that offer the vaccine across the UAE, said people can now book their appointments online at www.covidvaccineuae.com and choose their nearest centre.

Registration

'Covid-19 UAE' is the Ministry of Health’s official mobile application on coronavirus management.

The app provides users with real-time coronavirus statistics in the UAE in co-ordination with National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority.

The app can be used to book a vaccination appointment at any participating Ministry of Health centre across the country.

People can download the app on Android or iOS. Users have to register by entering their personal details, Emirates ID and phone number before booking their appointment slot.

Dubai: For those looking to book an appointment at a DHA tent or centre in Dubai, they need to download the DHA application.

To register, a medical record number with the DHA is needed. This can be created on the DHA website.

After submitting your Emirates ID number, a one-time pin – or OTP – will be sent to your registered mobile number.

The system accepts only people who have a Dubai residency visa. The MRN cannot be created for visa holders of other emirates.

Once registered, login using your DHA Account or UAE Pass and select ‘book Covid-19 vaccine’.

Follow the symptom checker process and answer the questions carefully to determine your eligibility for the vaccine.

Schedule your appointment by choosing the nearest centre and the suitable time.

Review the details and confirm your appointment.

You will receive an SMS to confirm your appointment. Please read the consent form before visiting the clinic.

Abu Dhabi: Residents in Abu Dhabi or with an Abu Dhabi visa can book appointments via the Seha app. The following priority categories are eligible for walk-in vaccination at Seha vaccination centres and clinics, without an appointment:

- UAE nationals and their household workers

- Senior citizens and residents (50 years old and over)

- People of determination

- People with chronic diseases

Patients can register using their Emirates ID before continuing to the vaccination booking page.

Some of the centres offering vaccine to residents over 16

Dubai

Where: Al Ittihad Health Center

When: From Sunday to Thursday
9am to 6pm

Appointment: Call 80011111 or book via UAE Covid-19 app

Where: Dubai Parks and Resorts

When: From Sunday to Thursday
8am to 5pm

Appointment: Book via Seha application

______________

Abu Dhabi 

Where: Seha Covid-19 vaccination centre - Zayed Port

When: 7am to 10pm

Appointment: Book via Seha application

Where: Madinat Zayed Wedding Hall, Al Dhafra

When: 8am to 7.30pm

Appointment: Book via Seha application

______________

Sharjah

Where: Expo Centre Sharjah

When: From Sunday to Thursday
9am to 6pm

Appointment: Call 80011111 or book via UAE Covid-19 app

Where: Sharjah Health Center

When: From Sunday to Thursday
8am to 9pm

Appointment: Call 80011111 or book via UAE Covid-19 app

______________

Ajman

Where: Ajman Society for Social and Cultural Development

When: From Sunday to Thursday
8am to 10pm

Appointment: Call 80011111 or book via UAE Covid-19 app

Where: Emirates Hospitality Center Ajman

When: From Sunday to Thursday
9am to 6pm

Appointment: Call 80011111 or book via UAE Covid-19 app

______________

UAE’s vaccination drive

This latest announcement comes after the UAE reported last week that it had achieved its objective of vaccinating half the country’s population, two weeks ahead of its target date.

The total number of doses crossed 7.18 million on Sunday, representing 72.61 doses per 100 people.

Those who have already received their first dose were eligible to book their second dose throughout the past six weeks.

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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Mane 24', Shaqiri 73', 80'

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Man of the Match: Fabinho (Liverpool)

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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

if you go

The flights

Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com

Seeing the games

Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com

 

Staying there

Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com

 

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

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MOST%20POLLUTED%20COUNTRIES%20IN%20THE%20WORLD
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How much of your income do you need to save?

The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.

In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)

Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.

 

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The biog

Born: Kuwait in 1986
Family: She is the youngest of seven siblings
Time in the UAE: 10 years
Hobbies: audiobooks and fitness: she works out every day, enjoying kickboxing and basketball

if you go

The flights

Direct flights from the UAE to the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, are available with Air Arabia, (www.airarabia.com) Fly Dubai (www.flydubai.com) or Etihad (www.etihad.com) from Dh1,200 return including taxes. The trek described here started from Jomson, but there are many other start and end point variations depending on how you tailor your trek. To get to Jomson from Kathmandu you must first fly to the lake-side resort town of Pokhara with either Buddha Air (www.buddhaair.com) or Yeti Airlines (www.yetiairlines.com). Both charge around US$240 (Dh880) return. From Pokhara there are early morning flights to Jomson with Yeti Airlines or Simrik Airlines (www.simrikairlines.com) for around US$220 (Dh800) return. 

The trek

Restricted area permits (US$500 per person) are required for trekking in the Upper Mustang area. The challenging Meso Kanto pass between Tilcho Lake and Jomson should not be attempted by those without a lot of mountain experience and a good support team. An excellent trekking company with good knowledge of Upper Mustang, the Annaurpuna Circuit and Tilcho Lake area and who can help organise a version of the trek described here is the Nepal-UK run Snow Cat Travel (www.snowcattravel.com). Prices vary widely depending on accommodation types and the level of assistance required. 

Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours. 

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend  are  January-February and September-October.  Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

The nine articles of the 50-Year Charter

1. Dubai silk road

2.  A geo-economic map for Dubai

3. First virtual commercial city

4. A central education file for every citizen

5. A doctor to every citizen

6. Free economic and creative zones in universities

7. Self-sufficiency in Dubai homes

8. Co-operative companies in various sectors

­9: Annual growth in philanthropy

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Producer: JAR Films

Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia

Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill, Chitrangda Singh, Kabir Bedi

Rating: 3 star

Results:

5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1.400m | Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

5.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1,400m | Winner: AF Saab, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,600m | Winner: Majd Al Gharbia, Saif Al Balushi, Ridha ben Attia

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (PA) Listed Dh 180,000 1,600m | Winner: RB Money To Burn, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh 70,000 2,200m | Winner: AF Kafu, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 2,400m | Winner: Brass Ring, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed

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6.30pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,200m

7.05pm: Meydan Cup – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,810m

7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m

8.15pm: Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,600m

9.50pm: Meydan Classic – Conditions (TB) $$50,000 (T) 1,400m

9.25pm: Dubai Sprint – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,200m

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Company name: NutriCal

Started: 2019

Founder: Soniya Ashar

Based: Dubai

Industry: Food Technology

Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount

Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia

Total Clients: Over 50

Kalra's feat
  • Becomes fifth batsman to score century in U19 final
  • Becomes second Indian to score century in U19 final after Unmukt Chand in 2012
  • Scored 122 in youth Test on tour of England
  • Bought by Delhi Daredevils for base price of two million Indian rupees (Dh115,000) in 2018 IPL auction
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Bayern Munich 1 (Lewandowski 40' pen, Pavard 80')

Man of the Match: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich)

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Creators: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Irwin Allen

Stars: Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins

Rating: 4/5

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Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million