Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has removed an option for visitors to apply for Covid-19 vaccines from a dedicated mobile app, although a hotline run by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) last week said tourists were eligible.

Reuters reports that SEHA, which operates the emirate's health infrastructure, had said that visitors with visas issued by Abu Dhabi and passport holders eligible for tourist visas upon entry can book free vaccines, and its app had shown a “visitor” function.

Vaccinations had previously been restricted to UAE citizens and residency visa holders.

Abu Dhabi Media Office, which had not responded to a Reuters' request for comment on tourists' eligibility, issued a statement on Thursday saying vaccines are available to those with an expired residency visa or expired entry visa, “which does not include holders of valid tourist or visit visas”. It has not responded to requests to clarify the issue.