DUBAI, Oct 17 (Reuters) – The United Arab Emirates on Sunday recorded a drop in daily COVID-19 cases to below 100 for the first time since the start of the outbreak last year as it hosts a huge world fair to which it hopes to attract millions of visits.
The Health Ministry reported 99 new cases, down from a peak of nearly 4,000 a day in January. The UAE’s cumulative death toll stands at 2,120.
The regional tourism and business hub, which still largely requires masks in public places, has one of the world’s highest immunization rates.
Around 96 percent of the population of roughly 10 million have received one vaccine dose, while some 86 percent are fully vaccinated, according to latest official data.
Other Gulf Arab states including Saudi Arabia have also seen daily coronavirus cases fall to below 100.
The UAE is hoping to boost its economy by attracting 25 million business and tourist visits to Expo 2020 Dubai, the first world fair to be held in the Middle East. The event began on Oct. 1 and will run for six months.
Writing by Ghaida Ghantous; Editing by Kevin Liffey
