In ‘compliance’ with guidelines

Leaders of the UAE gathered to meet on Sunday amidst growing concerns surround the worldwide spread of coronavirus.

Discussions were led by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

And, leading by example, there were no hands shaken.

Sharing a series of photos of the meeting to the Emirates Royal Family Instagram account, it was stated: “Our leaders come in compliance with the health guidelines and hearts without shaking hands.”

In a series of other photos shared to the Instagram page, a solid message of putting UAE citizens’ health first is the main priority.

The subject of keeping people safe from the spread of COVID-19 was at the centre of talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and other leaders when they met in Al Marmoom Heritage Village.

‘Challenges’ UAE faces discussed

“With my brother, Mohamed Bin Zayed, sending a message to our people that their health is the most important matter to us and the country’s resources are all utilized to ensure their safety….everyone is responsible…the UAE is united in the face of challenges, united to overcome crises….united to safeguard achievements…May Allah bless our people and Emirati society, and sustain health, safety and wellness,” Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid stated after the meeting.

He also praised the medical and security authorities at the frontline during the battle against the virus.

 

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In addition, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid stated directions were being taken from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates.

“I met my brother Mohamed bin Rashed at Al Marmoom, where we discussed COVID19 and public health and safety,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said on Twitter. “Under the direction of our President Sheikh Khalifa, all resources were made available to ensure public safety.

“We are all partners in facing this challenge.”

Dhs1.5 billion stimulus package

Earlier in the day on Sunday, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai announced a Dhs1.5 billion stimulus package to curb the effects of coronavirus on residents and businesses in the UAE, as a directive from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.

It was stated the package would fall under “15 initiatives that serve the retail, trade, tourism & energy sectors in Dubai to reduce costs for the business sector and residents over the next 3 months”.

These plans include a reduction on the cost of living, specifically DEWA bills, in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Water and electricity bills are set to be reduced by 10 per cent for all residential, commercial and industrial Dubai customers, as well as reducing the deposits by 50 per cent. This will be in effect for three months.

The unveiling of the initiative came after major shutdowns in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were announced on Saturday.

It was announced via the official Dubai Media Office Twitter account “all events in Dubai should be suspended from Sunday 15 March 2020 [until] the end of the month”.

Similarly, all main tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi are remain closed until the end of the month.

Coronavirus labelled as a ‘pandemic’

On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) determined the coronavirus outbreak to be a worldwide “pandemic”.

“WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction,” the WHO director-general said.

Khalid Al Ameri coronavirus uae

“We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterised as a pandemic.

“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.”

According to a report from WHO, as of March 13 globally there have been 132,700 confirmed as 132 758 confirmed cases, over 80,000 of which are in China, and nearly 5000 deaths, 3200 of which are in China.

On Thursday March 12, it was announced my the Ministry of Health and Prevention there were 11 new cases of coronavirus in the UAE, bringing the total to 85. However, so far, there have been 17 confirmed recoveries, making the current number of active cases 68.

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Images: Instagram