World
governments are grappling with the novel Coronavirus pandemic, ensuring all
possible measures such as a global lockdown to protect their citizens from
virus infections. In the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates' COVID-19
response plan has emerged as constructive and reassuring in mitigating the
repercussions of the disease in the country.
UAE's
quick combative response has led to pragmatic management of the crisis.
Notably, the UAE government led the crisis from a regulatory, economic, and
informative perspective with the focus on "safety first", as observed
by experts.
From
regularly updating the public on COVID-19 precautionary measures to ensuring
sterilization of public spaces, the administration has been working from the
frontline for the safety of its residents. The UAE led the Gulf region in terms
of COVID-19 testing by deploying a large number of health care workers at
screening centres and setting up multiple drive-through testing facilities.
According to WHO statistics on April 28, the UAE had the highest number of
tests per 1 million people in the Gulf region at 106,904.
The
UAE was one of the first countries to launch nation-wide sterilization drive
after implementing 24-hour movement restrictions with stay-at-home orders.
Radars have been used to detect the movement of people during the lockdown.
From health ministry working around the clock to regular police patrolling, the
administration has been employing all available resources to support the battle
against the pandemic.
The
government has taken necessary measures to protect the rights of nationals and
non-nationals who were most affected by the social, economic, humanitarian, and
human rights impact of the virus. Catering the need for job security of migrant
workers, the government introduced a $US70 billion stimulus package for its
hard-hit businesses. Non-discriminatory and accessible healthcare and testing
have been guaranteed to every individual regardless of their nationality or
immigration status. At the same time, efforts are underway to repatriate
workers and tourists wishing to return to their home countries.
Besides
domestic response, the UAE has been active in aiding the international
community by providing more than 486 tonnes of aid to over 45 countries,
supporting nearly 486,000 medical professionals in various countries.
After
weeks of lockdown, the government is preparing its national strategy for a
phased recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. As per media reports, it has planned
to shape its economy in the post-COVID-19 world based on digital evolution.
Recently, UAE Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri announced a
two-phase plan to reopen the country’s economy and boosting its revival. Dubai
also announced a comprehensive plan to support various the preparation of
various sectors for the post-COVID-19 phase. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has also stressed on
heightened government's role towards a secured future for the people.
Meanwhile,
amid the pandemic emergency, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - the union of
six Gulf countries - has encouraged a common discussion forum where member
states discuss handling and containing the spread of the virus, with the help
of latest data, statistics and level of preparedness. GCC governments have also
initiated economic stimulus packages worth $97 billion to aid the private
sector. The World Health Organisation has also lauded the response to the
pandemic by Gulf states.
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