Skip to main content

UAE records new high in COVID-19 cases

The United Arab Emirates is trying to simultaneously fight the resurgence of the coronavirus and boost its tourism industry.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 01:   A medical worker, wearing disposable gloves ,  measures the temperature of a man at a coronavirus drive-through screening center on April 01, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 40,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

The United Arab Emirates recorded its highest ever daily toll of COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The Gulf country is trying to move forward with tourism despite the recent jump in virus cases.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention recorded 1,083 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the current number of infections in the Emirates to 10,535.

The figure is the highest ever daily case tally in the country. On May 22, the UAE registered 994 cases. On Sept. 12, it registered 1,007, according to Worldometer.

Emirati authorities have yet to reimpose the strict lockdowns of the spring, but they are taking action to mitigate the recent spread. Last week, the UAE government approved the use of an emergency COVID-19 vaccine for at-risk workers after trials. People entering the capital Abu Dhabi must now wear a wristband to track their movements as they undergo a mandatory two-week quarantine.

The UAE is otherwise going ahead with its efforts to revitalize its economy, including the tourism and hospitality industries. The Emirates’ largest city Dubai remains open to tourists and Abu Dhabi just removed its liquor license requirement for people who want to drink alcohol. On Saturday, the mixed martial arts event “Fight Island” will resume in Abu Dhabi, albeit with no fans. Hotels in the country are also exploring adding kosher dining options in anticipation of religious Jewish tourists following the UAE-Israel normalization agreement.

Join hundreds of Middle East professionals with Al-Monitor PRO.

Business and policy professionals use PRO to monitor the regional economy and improve their reports, memos and presentations. Try it for free and cancel anytime.

Already a Member? Sign in

Free

The Middle East's Best Newsletters

Join over 50,000 readers who access our journalists dedicated newsletters, covering the top political, security, business and tech issues across the region each week.
Delivered straight to your inbox.

Free

What's included:
Our Expertise

Free newsletters available:

  • The Takeaway & Week in Review
  • Middle East Minute (AM)
  • Daily Briefing (PM)
  • Business & Tech Briefing
  • Security Briefing
  • Gulf Briefing
  • Israel Briefing
  • Palestine Briefing
  • Turkey Briefing
  • Iraq Briefing
Expert

Premium Membership

Join the Middle East's most notable experts for premium memos, trend reports, live video Q&A, and intimate in-person events, each detailing exclusive insights on business and geopolitical trends shaping the region.

$25.00 / month
billed annually

Become Member Start with 1-week free trial
What's included:
Our Expertise AI-driven

Memos - premium analytical writing: actionable insights on markets and geopolitics.

Live Video Q&A - Hear from our top journalists and regional experts.

Special Events - Intimate in-person events with business & political VIPs.

Trend Reports - Deep dive analysis on market updates.

All premium Industry Newsletters - Monitor the Middle East's most important industries. Prioritize your target industries for weekly review:

  • Capital Markets & Private Equity
  • Venture Capital & Startups
  • Green Energy
  • Supply Chain
  • Sustainable Development
  • Leading Edge Technology
  • Oil & Gas
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Banking

We also offer team plans. Please send an email to pro.support@al-monitor.com and we'll onboard your team.

Already a Member? Sign in

Gulf Briefing Gulf Briefing

Gulf Briefing

Top GCC stories in your inbox each week

Trend Reports

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (4th R) attends a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (3rd L) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 22, 2019. (Photo by HOW HWEE YOUNG / POOL / AFP) (Photo credit should read HOW HWEE YOUNG/AFP via Getty Images)
Premium

From roads to routers: The future of China-Middle East connectivity

A general view shows the solar plant in Uyayna, north of Riyadh, on March 29, 2018. - On March 27, Saudi announced a deal with Japan's SoftBank to build the world's biggest solar plant. (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)
Premium

Regulations on Middle East renewable energy industry starting to take shape

Start your PRO membership today.

Join the Middle East's top business and policy professionals to access exclusive PRO insights today.

Join Al-Monitor PRO Start with 1-week free trial