The UAE authorities are ensuring all possible efforts to inoculate the maximum number of people against COVID-19 with its national vaccination campaign. Amid the ongoing efforts to vaccinate the public, the UAE government has ensured that this year's Dubai Expo would be safe where millions of people would gather in the city for the grand event. Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, affirmed that the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines across the world is unprecedented in human history, demonstrating human ability and progress towards human dignity.

"It is happening at an astonishing pace, facilitated by the huge strides forward that travel and transport infrastructure has achieved in recent months," he added.

As of Tuesday, the UAE has administered the COVID-19 vaccines to more than 40 percent of its population. According to reports, around 176 million vaccine doses have been administered in different countries across the world, with Israel and the UAE leading in terms of doses per 100 population.

Al Hashemi hailed the significant role played by the UAE airlines and other government entities in delivering COVID-19 vaccines to various parts across the world. In this regard, she highlighted that earlier this month, an Emirates plane delivered South Africa's first consignment of COVID-19 vaccines in Johannesburg, calling it a "historic moment" in the country’s fight against the pandemic.

During the Expo Talks – Travel and Connectivity webinar on Tuesday, the minister added that the Hope Consortium is providing all necessary expertise and infrastructure of Etihad Cargo and Abu Dhabi Ports Company intending to deliver billions of COVID-19 vaccines to several countries across the world by the end of this year.

She further underlined the UAE's role in delivering essential humanitarian and foreign aid to countries in need during the pandemic crisis.

"We are proud of delivering more foreign aid per capita than any other nation because that means we are making a real difference in corners of the globe. That is what we do because that’s who we are" she said.

In line with the vaccination drive, Al Hashemi noted that the Expo 2020 Dubai in October will provide a safer and healthier environment to millions of people coming from all parts of the world.

"When millions of people from all corners of the globe gather in Dubai this October, it will be safer and healthy and fully immersed in the culture and wonders of the countries from all reaches of the globe” she added.