The United Arab Emirates has urged all citizens and residents aged 16 and above to register for Covid-19 vaccinations as the Gulf state widens its immunisation drive after inoculating about 56 per cent of the eligible population.

The health ministry said in a statement on state media that the move comes after nearly 73pc of elderly Emiratis, residents and those with chronic diseases have been vaccinated.

The country is providing four types of vaccine free of charge.