The phase III clinical trials are being conducted in collaboration with Abu-Dhabi based G42 Healthcare using a vaccine developed by Sinopharm CNBG, the sixth-largest producer of vaccines in the world.

Up to 6,000 volunteers will participate in the Bahrain trials, selected from those who meet the required medical criteria. The clinical trial involves administering a vaccine to the selected volunteers, in order to study the effectiveness of antibody production and its protection against the virus.

Prince Salman said: “Today I was privileged to stand together with our vaccine volunteers, each one of them determined to play their part in working to protect others, not just at home in our Kingdom, but right across the globe.

This global crisis requires a global response. In Bahrain we are proud to say we have stepped forward and shouldered responsibility, first in sharing in treatment and testing best practice, and now in support of safe vaccine testing and development.”