UAE detects first case of Omicron variant

The United Arab Emirates reported its first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 today. 

The variant was detected in an “African woman” who was fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention said in a press release. 

The Omicron variant is classified as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Its existence was helped brought to light by medical professionals in South Africa, who recorded confirmed cases of the variant. The WHO is not yet sure whether Omicron is more transmissible or more deadly than other variants of the coronavirus, according to a Nov. 28 statement. 

The variant was also detected in Saudi Arabia today. 

Many Middle Eastern states have restricted travel to and from countries in southern Africa due to concerns about Omicron. However, Dutch scientists recently said they detected the variant before it was reported in South Africa. 

Emirati authorities did not specify where exactly the women with Omicron has traveled recently, saying only that she was in an Arab country and an African one before entering the UAE.