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  The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021. The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of B.1.1.529 variant. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021. Preliminary information shows that the virus is affecting younger individuals but resulting in milder disease. The symptoms are very similar to those produced by other variants. A much clearer picture will emerge in the next few months.  We still need to be extremely cautious since all COVID-19 variants can result in serious disease and fatality in susceptible persons, especially those with co-morbidities. GCC Concerns: Middle Eastern countries reacted in one way or the other to the new omicron coronavirus vari...

UAE will change to a working week of four and half days with a Saturday-Sunday weekend from the start of next year to r align its economy with International Market. The authorities added that with this move, the UAE has become the first nation in the world to introduce a national working week shorter than the global five-day week. The working week will start on Monday and end by Friday afternoon. The working hours for federal employees are set to be from 7.30am to 3.30pm, with 8.5 working hours per day. On Friday, employees will work for 4.5 hours. On Fridays, employees will also be allowed to choose flexible work or work-from-home options. The longer weekend is aimed at boosting productivity and improving work-life balance. "Each company, depending on the sector they operate in and what suits and serves their business best, can choose the weekend they decide for their employees", Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation Abdulrahman al-Awar told Reuters Over ...