UAE: Coronavirus vaccine for everyone!

The UAE government recently announced the deployment of the Sinopharm Chinese COVID-19 vaccine to all citizens and residents, and the first phase of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was launched by the Emirate of Dubai.

By encouraging individuals to take the vaccine and mandating PCR testing requirements for those who have not been vaccinated, the public sector is taking action to ensure the safety and protection of its employees.

On 31 December 2020 the Abu Dhabi Department of Government Support issued Circular No. 16 of 2020 to all government entities and companies in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi requiring the following measures to be taken:

1. All employees attending the workplace to undertake a Nasal Swab Test (PCR) once every 14 days, the cost of which is to be borne by the employee. Employees who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are exempt from such requirement; and
2. Any outsourcing or service companies who have or will contract with government entities are required to ensure that their employees have obtained the COVID-19 vaccine in instances where they are required to attend the government entity’s workplace.