An Abu Dhabi-based healthcare company has begun performing the world's first phase 3 trials for a coronavirus vaccine developed in partnership with a Chinese pharmaceutical group, according to the emirate's media office on Twitter.The human trial taking place in Abu Dhabi is a partnership between Sinopharm’s China National Biotec Group (CNBG), Abu Dhabi based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company Group 42 (G42) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health."Abu Dhabi-based G42 Healthcare is performing trials in cooperation with Sinopharm CNBG, under the administration of DoH and the Ministry of Health. The partnership will help provide quick access to the vaccine for UAE residents, with manufacturing taking place in #AbuDhabi," tweeted Abu Dhabi's media office.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.UAE chosen for diversity, facilitiesAccording to a press release by G42, the UAE was chosen as the location for the trials because of its diversity."The UAE was the preferred choice for the cooperation partnership to conduct the Phase III trials for the inactive vaccine as the nation is home to over 200 nationalities, allowing for robust research across multiple ethnicities and increasing its feasibility for global application on the success of the trials," said G42.The trials are expected to involve a minimum of 5,000 volunteers in the first stage of the program, with authorities having issued a permit to allow up to 15,000 to take part.According to G42, the launch of the trial was attended by Chinese Ambassador to the UAE Ni Jian; senior health department officials and G42 Healthcare and Sinopharm CNBG representatives.The first group of volunteers were given the vaccine at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Ajman on Thursday.Read more:Coronavirus: Dubai hosts first ‘real life’ conference since UAE's COVID-19 lockdownCoronavirus: Entering Abu Dhabi now requires booking appointment for a COVID-19 testUAE ranks first in seven global health indexes: ReportG42 active in UAE's COVID-19 fightThe UAE-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company G42 has been at the forefront of some of the country's coronavirus treatment and research projects.In April, during the height of the outbreak, the technology set up a massive COVID-19 testing laborotory in partnership with the genomics company BGI. The laborotory reportedly took only 14 days to establish.In June, G42 and UK-based Oxford Nanopore announced they will develop a high-scalable solution for coronavirus testing.“The collaboration with Oxford Nanopore, a global leader in advanced sequencing products, accelerates G42’s ongoing endeavor to develop impactful applications for public health. This breakthrough solution is a result of the tireless effort by our joint teams under the extraordinary pressure of COVID-19. The worst of the pandemic has brought out the best in us,” said Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, at the time.The group also uses artificial intelligence and computing to conduct research into drug therapies and map trends in the outbreak, such as virus mutations, as well as manufacturing personal protective equipment.With Reuters.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi hosts phase 3 trials of COVID-19 vaccine
Coronavirus: Dubai hosts first ‘real life’ conference since UAE's COVID-19 lockdown
“Don’t touch the screen!” warned an organizer as participants attempted to print their badges, via barcodes sent to their phones, at Dubai’s first “real life” business conference since the coronavirus shutdown hit in March.The glitzy emirate hosts dozens of conventions every year, from political events to technology and lifestyle forums, but for months the virus forced the lucrative sector to move from conference halls to computer screens.Now, 10 days after reopening its doors to tourists, the city that received more than 16.7 million visitors last year has also restarted its conference business, with an event focusing on the artificial intelligence industry.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the appIn a vast hall at the city’s World Trade Centre, until recently converted into a field hospital for coronavirus patients, it was a full house on Thursday as hundreds of attendees at the AI Everything conference occupied rows of chairs spaced far apart under social distancing guidelines.Others were outside the hall, listening to the event on screens as they waited for someone to leave their seat so they could enter.“It’s good to be here, face to face with others,” said Reem Al Hashimi, minister of state for international cooperation, in one of the opening sessions.“What this pandemic has taught us is that we need to be conscious and careful, but we also need to live our lives, so finding that healthy proper scientific balance is critical.”Read more:Coronavirus: Entering Abu Dhabi now requires booking appointment for a COVID-19 testCoronavirus: Abu Dhabi hosts phase 3 trials of COVID-19 vaccineCoronavirus: Dubai World Trade Centre closes after last COVID-19 patient recoversGlimpse of pre-COVID lifeThe four-hour event looked very different from what the glittering city used to offer pre-COVID – with no crowded foyers or waiters bearing trays of drinks, and packaged energy bars and fruit replacing gourmet buffets.A badge printing station was set up next to the hall entrance, with organizers in face shields and black suits advising attendees on how to get their credentials without touching anything.Colourful signs on the floor adorned with smiley faces reminded participants to “keep a safe distance” and told them “don’t forget your mask.”Dubai is betting that pent-up demand for tourism, and a quick adaptation to life under COVID-19, will see its tourism industry bounce back quickly after the painful shutdown, billing itself as a safe destination with the resources to ward off the virus.The reopening comes even as the United Arab Emirates, made up of seven sheikhdoms including Dubai, battles coronavirus infection rates that have climbed to more than 55,800 with 335 deaths.However, the field hospital at the World Trade Centre discharged its last patient on July 8 and closed its doors before turning the wards back into event halls bearing the slogan “Restart Dubai.”Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Dubai hosts first ‘real life’ conference since UAE's COVID-19 lockdown
Will Iranian sea corridor compete with Suez Canal?
Iran has announced a sea corridor for commercial exchange with Russia and India as an alternative to the Egyptian Suez Canal, which raises questions about the impact this corridor will have on one of the main national economic resources in Cairo that has been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Will Iranian sea corridor compete with Suez Canal?
Virus survivors rake in cash for plasma on Iraq’s black market
Recovered coronavirus patients in Iraq are selling their blood plasma for $2,000 per liter on the black market as health leaders watch in dismay.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Virus survivors rake in cash for plasma on Iraq’s black market
Coronavirus crisis escalates bickering between Netanyahu, Gantz
The coronavirus crisis and the dire economic straits only deepened the rift between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition partner Alternate PM and Defense Minister Benny Gantz.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Coronavirus crisis escalates bickering between Netanyahu, Gantz
Oil supply cuts deal may be extended to more than two years: Saudi Energy Minister
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said that the global oil market is still in the recovery phase amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and that he expected a long road ahead, the minister told Al Arabiya in an exclusive interview.“The agreement to reduce oil production may be extended to more than two years,” Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said.“We still have a long way to go and actions will continue. Therefore, part of the recovery and coexisting with this situation until, God willing, this epidemic is gone, is that we decided to have a monthly meeting with the committee that monitors the market, to make sure of the obligations, and to make recommendations to the OPEC+ conference,” Prince Abdulaziz added.The Saudi Arabian Energy Minister’s comments to Al Arabiya comes a day after OPEC+ allies led by Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed on Wednesday to ease record oil supply curbs from August as the global economy slowly recovers from the coronavirus pandemic but said a second wave of the virus could complicate rebalancing in the market.Prince Abdulaziz, however, told Al Arabiya that consensus over long-term measures must be maintained as global oil producers adjust amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.“There is a consensus that we are in a state of readiness to take any additional measures that may require us to coexist and deal with the issue of coronavirus and the changes it may bring in prices within the energy markets in general, and the economy more generally and broadly,” he said.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Read more:Saudi Arabia’s oil exports fell to 7.48 mln barrels per day in May, data showsOPEC+ eases oil cuts as global economy slowly recovers from coronavirus pandemicGlobal oil output cuts easing justified, says Russian Energy Minister Novak
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Oil supply cuts deal may be extended to more than two years: Saudi Energy Minister
What do animal remains tell us about biblical Abel Beth Maacah?
Today, Tel Hazor and Tel Abel Beth Maacah represent major archaeological sites offering many insights on the ancient history of Israel.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: What do animal remains tell us about biblical Abel Beth Maacah?
New campaign seeks to ban wildlife hunting in Israel
Poachers often hunt endangered and protected animals like gazelles and porcupines, where their meat is sold illegally for high prices.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: New campaign seeks to ban wildlife hunting in Israel
Communities around the world to 'Walk to Israel'
Walk to Israel is a global challenge to Jews around the world to walk 100 miles (160 km.) on foot over 30 days in steps measured by pedometers.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Communities around the world to 'Walk to Israel'
French FM urges Iraq to keep away from regional tensions
France urged Iraq to 'dissociate' itself from boiling regional tensions..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: French FM urges Iraq to keep away from regional tensions