UAE shatters record for new daily infections

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has shattered its single-day record of new coronavirus infections, with 1,723 cases recorded on Wednesday.

The record figure comes after the UAE said it detected its first known cases of the new, fast-spreading variant of the virus in people arriving from abroad. With an economy that runs on aviation and hospitality, the UAE has remained open for tourism and business.

The commercial hub of Dubai prepares to draw thousands of revelers for New Year's Eve celebrations downtown, where authorities have mandated mask-wearing and social-distancing.


The UAE has a total of 206,092 cases and 665 deaths amid an aggressive testing campaign.