Abu Dhabi clarifies that free Covid-19 vaccines will not be given to tourists

Abu Dhabi has denied media reports that it is offering free Covid-19 vaccines for tourists.

Taking to Twitter, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee confirmed that free Covid-19 vaccines are available to “everyone with an expired residency visa or expired entry visa, which does not include holders of valid tourist or visit visas”.

“The committee reiterated that the decision is for the health and safety of everyone in Abu Dhabi and in consideration of the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic,” it added.

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has issued a reminder that free Covid-19 vaccines are available to everyone with an expired residency visa or expired entry visa, which does not include holders of valid tourist or visit visas. pic.twitter.com/L5krF4Dy4x

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) June 24, 2021

Earlier this week, media reports had said that Abu Dhabi would be offering Pfizer and Sinopharm vaccines to tourists.

The vaccines would be available for holders of a visa issued by Abu Dhabi or holders of passports eligible for visa on arrival, reports had said.

The UAE has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world and offers shots for free to citizens and residents.

In May, Dubai had announced that Chinese nationals visiting the UAE on short-term visas could receive a Covid-19 vaccine in the emirate.

A regional vaccination site has been set up in Dubai to facilitate those jabs.

Read: UAE: Chinese visitors can now receive Covid-19 vaccines in Dubai