The UAE announced Saturday evening that it will resume issuing tourist visas for travelers who have received the coronavirus vaccine, starting from the end of August.

The Emirates News Agency stated that the decision "includes the countries from which entry was previously prohibited, with the mandatory rapid laboratory examination (PCR) at the airport, provided that the previous requirements remain in force for the unvaccinated groups."

The Federal Authority and the Emergency Management Authority in the Emirates said the decision "comes in line with the state's strategy in creating a balance between public health and various vital sectors and in support of national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and revive the economic sector."

According to the latest official statistics, the UAE has recorded over 714,000 cases of coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic.

Over 18 million coronavirus vaccine doses have been administered, with the UAE having one of the highest rates of vaccination per capita in the world.