Plea to the people of Dubai
In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, messages of solidarity have spread throughout the world.
To support the worst affected countries — China, Italy and Spain — the Burj Khalifa in Dubai recently lit up in their national colours as they battle the horrific affects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, a crucial plea has been sent to the people of Dubai via the Burj Khalifa.
It’s simple, yet critical: stay home.
Last night, the world’s tallest building lit up with the hashtag that’s gone viral globally — #STAYHOME.
The Burj Khalifa first lit up to support China on February 2 of this year, during the first outbreak of coronavirus at the epicentre in Wuhan, China.
View this post on Instagram
Six weeks later, on March 16, the building lit up again to shine a light on Italy, which has since become the worst hit nation of the outbreak, with over 6,000 fatalities in the country.
https://twitter.com/ItalyinUAE/status/1239595168568918016
Most recently, on March 20, the Burj Khalifa lit up in support of Spain.
Burj Khalifa lights up in Spanish flag
#COVID19: Burj Khalifa lights up in Spanish flag colours in solidarity with its people to combat coronavirushttps://bit.ly/2J5JdIJ
Posted by Gulf Today on Friday, 20 March 2020
The message comes after the powerful statement issued by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
His Highness directed members of the public to “urgently recognise the serious of the new reality we live in”, adding the COVID-19 outbreak is “a very real threat”.
“This pandemic is a very real threat to each and every one of us, our families and friends,” he said. “The only way to guarantee that we safeguard the wellbeing of our loved ones is to ACT now, TOGETHER and WITHOUT exceptions. Stay Home.”
The only way to guarantee that we safeguard the wellbeing of our loved ones is to ACT now, TOGETHER and WITHOUT exceptions. Stay Home.
Social Distancing is NOT a matter of choice. it is a critical DEMAND from every one of us, in order for our city and our society to remain safe.— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) March 23, 2020
Both these stay home pleas comes after the joint statement released by the Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority.
Both authorities are urging everyone not to leave their homes unless it’s “absolutely necessary” to get essential supplies like food and medicine, or if you are person in an essential job.
As of this week, all shopping centres and malls are to be closed for the next couple of weeks. Restaurants have also been shut down for the next two weeks, except if they offer home delivery options.
Pharmacies are to remain open, as well as food retail outlets which include grocery stores, cooperative societies and supermarkets.
More information on coronavirus:
- Tips on how to prevent the spreading of coronavirus
- Coronavirus in the UAE: Food and supplies to stock up on
- Coronavirus in the UAE: What the visa suspension means for you
Media: Twitter, Instagram. Feature image: @burjkhalifa
