Coronavirus infections have started rising again across the six Gulf Arab states after months of low or falling figures, Reuters quotes data from health ministries as showing.

The United Arab Emirates has seen a particularly sharp increase in Covid-19 infections since announcing the arrival of Omicron early this month, with 1,002 cases of coronavirus recorded on Thursday, up from 68 on Dec 2.

The resurgence comes during the region's peak tourism season, especially in the UAE which is welcoming millions of visitors to the Expo 2020 Dubai world fair and other seasonal events.

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