The variant was found in an elderly patient with underlying health conditions who has since died.
The variant was found in an elderly patient with underlying health conditions who has since died.
More than 20.5 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out in the UAE so far.
Second phase of vaccination drive to kick off in April and would be open to all citizens and residents.
The health authorities took 12 Covid samples of the UK returnees, out of which 6 were positive and 3 showed the new Covid variant.
When the virus infects a patient, it binds to cells on the pancreas that produce insulin and may exert a toxic effect on them.
The trials could begin in the next few weeks.
Foreigners have been largely banned from entering the country during the pandemic.
All six patients have been kept in isolation, health ministry said.
Three cases were detected after the 2000 daily deadline, which are under investigation.
Ongoing restrictions, including a ban on scheduled international flights, was to expire on Dec. 31.