Dubai is planning to inoculate 70 per cent of its population with the Covid-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech by the end of 2021, in a campaign free of charge for citizens and residents, a health official has said.

The financial hub of the United Arab Emirates began the first phase of the vaccination campaign last week, targeting “priority groups”, including those 60 and older, people with chronic medical conditions, those with disabilities and frontline workers.

“We are targeting to vaccinate approximately 70pc of the population of Dubai by the end of 2021. We want to reach the herd immunity that is required,” Farida al-Khaja, chairwoman of Dubai’s steering committee for Covid-19 vaccinations, told Reuters.

Khaja said a second phase would kick off in April and would be open to all citizens and residents.