The UAE has enhanced its regional stature as one of the key global players in promoting international cooperation and unity in addressing the unprecedented repercussions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. In addition, Abu Dhabi has evolved as a key centre for global efforts for the development of a potential vaccine against COVID-19, noting its significance in putting an end to the biggest challenge witnessed by the humanity in the 21st century.

The UAE has collaborated with leading vaccine developers in China and Russia to create an effective vaccine against the virus. Currently, Abu Dhabi is carrying out the final phases of the clinical trials of two of the world's leading and much-awaited vaccines - Chinese vaccine Sinopharm CNPG and Russian Sputnik V vaccine.

Speaking about the ongoing developments, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, noted that the UAE hosting the clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine shows Russia's confidence in the Emirati expertise and capacities in developing an effective treatment for the disease.

In his recent statement, Dmitriev hailed the efforts of the UAE in becoming one of the leading countries in the world in combatting the pandemic crisis. Expressing happiness towards the launch of vaccine trials in Abu Dhabi, he added that the volunteer registration process will also begin soon in coordination with relevant authorities in the country.

With an advanced healthcare system facilitated by a wide range of public and private hospitals and medical facilities, the UAE provided an ideal environment for conducting the clinical trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine in the region.

It is important to note that the private healthcare sector has played a key role in supporting the efforts of the UAE leadership in addressing the pandemic crisis. Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company, Group 42 (G42), emerged as one of the leading companies in developing medical solutions for combatting the virus transmission in the country.

Phase III clinical trials of the Chinese vaccine witnessed a significant number of volunteers expressing their keenness towards the efforts of the healthcare sector. More than 31,000 volunteers from over 120 nationalities were recruited in over six weeks during the initial stage of Phase III of clinical trials. This overwhelming response not only helped in improving the UAE’s expertise in the area but also in achieving anticipated results from the trials.

UAE authorities have been carrying out various initiatives and humanitarian campaigns in line with the leadership's vision through providing medical aid assistance to support the efforts of other countries in containing the spread of the virus and helping the frontline healthcare workers in the process.

The UAE also took appropriate steps to rescue and evacuate several people trapped in Coronavirus epicentres across the world. In addition, various local resolutions were issued by the concerned Emirati authorities to protect the interests of the investors and maintain market stability amid pandemic restrictions.

Notably, in July 2020, the UAE became the first country globally to launch Phase III clinical trials of a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed Chinese firm Sinopharm CNPG. It also received the approval for emergency use of the vaccine for people who are most exposed to contracting the virus, including frontline healthcare workers.