Extraordinary UAE bid to fight an extraordinary crisis

The efforts exerted by various authorities in the UAE to ensure the success of COVID-19 pandemic containment across the country have been exemplary and there is no doubt that the current situation would be overcome at the earliest.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has rightly praised the diligence and commitment of teams from various authorities on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19.

At a time when the world is battling a crisis, positive and encouraging words help instill confidence in the minds of the public.

In Sheikh Hamdan’s words: “The UAE’s dictionary doesn’t contain challenges and obstacles. We always emphasise on optimism and opportunities. We have complete confidence in our ability to overcome the current situation. We will renew our journey to accomplish our aspirations and ambitions for a better future for our nation.”

By successfully handling the crisis, the UAE has certainly set an example for the world. This has been made possible due to its scientific approach, its constant efforts to monitor and assess the situation in accordance with the highest international standards and its skilled personnel.

Several measures are being taken to help residents.

Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, has stated that under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, all residents in the UAE whose visas are expiring between March 1 and the end of the year will be able to stay in the country without penalties and will continue to be legal residents in the UAE.

If those who have lost their jobs find alternate employment, the GDRFA will even support them in transferring their visas or enable them to work for their new employers while remaining on existing visas.

The GDRFA will continue to provide services to facilitate smooth visa transfers between companies in Dubai as well as between emirates.

The Authority is also working to ease any challenges related to immigration procedures for residents during the current period.

Al Marri has made it clear that the GDRFA, in coordination with other concerned entities, is working to enable expatriates who wish to leave the country return to their home countries.

The Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, has also announced that it would be a patron and provide care to the families of COVID-19 deceased from all nationalities.

The gesture which is part of the country’s initiative “You are among your Families’’ includes several vital steps and enhances the philanthropic organisation’s programmes in the social services field.

Separately, Box of Hope, a community initiative started by Harmeek Singh, a Dubai based businessman, has teamed up with Dubai Municipality, UAE Food Bank and other humanitarian and charitable Organisations, to provide free meal boxes to quarantined blue collar workers in their labour camps, who have been affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As pointed out by Emirati lawyer and Box of Hope founding member, Joslin Khairallah: “I believe that at the start, Box of Hope gave positive energy to many workers by working hand by hand to make them aware about their legal rights and legal procedures. The main objective is to always try to make people feel like they are not alone, and that we are supporting them.”