Spirit of the Union during the Coronavirus Crisis

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country of goodness, happiness, positivity, love, solidarity and mutual support. It is the homeland of all that is based on the legacy of the founding fathers Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God bless them. Their legacy demands that no one should go hungry or get sick, especially in a time like this of the novel coronavirus disease crisis.

And here the UAE once again translates its values and principles into concrete actions. Today, our beloved country dazzles the world with its giving and humanitarian initiatives. The impact of the pandemic is not only felt in the public health sector but also in the economic sector, affecting access to the basic human needs. The UAE has no place for a patient without care; there is also no place for a hungry person without thousands of hands stretching to offer support.

The novel coronavirus disease crisis has brought out the best of our country at all levels. For more than two months, the whole country is working hard from our wise leadership to new heroes of the health sector on the ground.

THE ‘10 MILLION MEALS’ CAMPAIGN
COMPLEMENTS THE REST OF THE COUNTRY’S
HUMANITARIAN CAMPAIGNS TO ENSURE NO
ONE SLEEPS HUNGRY OR IN NEED IN THE UAE.

H.H. MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM, COMMENTING
ON THE LAUNCH OF THE «10 MILLION MEALS» CAMPAIGN.

The Emirati response to the novel coronavirus disease pandemic has showed what modern infrastructure that our country possesses can do in times of a crisis. While education institutions were closed in many countries around the world, schools and universities in the UAE have continued to teach their students through distance learning. This experience has not been limited to the education sector, but has also been adopted for government meetings and at workplaces where employees have had to practice their professions from home, which proves that life has never stopped in our country. In fact, what we see today is the harvest of decades of long perseverance and hard work. We are reaping the fruits now. While presiding over a remote cabinet meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, remarked, «The world of work is changing rapidly; dedication at home, workplace and everywhere has to continue».

Examining the approach used to confront the pandemic, we find ourselves in front of impressive achievements, thanks to the commitment of everyone in UAE. Our wise leadership speaks to us with positive energy every day, strengthening our resolve, and spreading hope in our souls, affirming that we will defeat the pandemic. Our leaders support and speak proudly about the work of our doctors, nurses, and paramedics whom we have called «the White Army» and «our first line of defense.»

All this was accompanied by providing the capabilities that will make us overcome the crisis soon. It’s just a matter of time. The Emirati efforts in examining citizens and residents to detect the disease are honorable and great. The establishment of many field hospitals, providing the necessary health tools in every workplace is clear to everyone. Also, the sterilization of streets, squares, transportation and all public facilities has become an everyday scene in addition to the media briefings to give updates on the progress of the fight and provide answers to any inquiries. Perhaps it is important to point out the response of the people in our dear country to the leadership’s directives on the necessity of staying at home and social distancing, and the daily support of charity projects that we read about. This confirms the harmony and close bond between the various components of Emirati society.

The Covid-19 crisis will pass, and our country will get back on track to being a more prosperous nation. Some of us will write about the story of this difficult time whose events took place in 2020, the year of preparation for the next fifty years. It will be a story that confirms that we triumphed over the pandemic by joining together in unity, inspired by the spirit of our eternal union.