UAE begins distribution of locally-made Hayat-Vax

The UAE has started the process of gaining global approval for its locally-made COVID-19 vaccine called 'Hayat-Vax'.

It comes as authorities announced that the UAE has started its distribution locally, and it is "expected to be a regional hub in this area".

During the government briefing on Monday, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Official Spokesperson of the UAE Health Sector, said it signals the "beginning of a historic phase of vaccine production in the country".

It also highlights "a strategic step in raising the efficiency of the health sector infrastructure and developing local and national capacities in the field of biotechnology".

Hayat - which means 'life' in Arabic - is the first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine in the region to be manufactured by a joint venture between Abu Dhabi's G42 and Sinopharm CNBG.

Health Sector: We are pleased to announce the start of production of the "Hayat-Vax" vaccine in the #UAE, marking the start of a historic stage for vaccine manufacturing in the country.#TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/2kkmbbiAEk

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) May 10, 2021