DUBAI: Health authorities in Saudi Arabia have registered the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for import and use in the country, state news agency SPA said on Thursday. Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Agency registered the vaccine. The decision to approve the registration of the vaccine and to allow its use was made based on the data provided by the company on November 24. The authority reviewed the registration files from several aspects, including the evaluation of the vaccine efficacy and safety. The authority further examined the vaccine by reviewing scientific data that shows the quality of manufacturing and the manufacturers commitment to applying the principles of good pharmaceutical manufacturing according to international standards. It also held several meetings to study the data provided by the company, which included talks with local and international experts and specialists, and a meeting with the manufacturer and its representatives to answer the inquiries submitted by the authority. The authority will evaluate samples from each incoming shipment of the vaccine before using it to ensure it is safe to use. Procedures necessary for its import and use will begin, the statement said.