Residents must show responsibility as Dubai opens up

History has shown that the UAE has the capability to overcome any kind of challenges.

As COVID-19 continues to ravage the world, recent proactive measures have reinforced the UAE’s ability to deal with any unforeseen situation.

The announcement of the gradual reopening of business activities in Dubai from the fourth day of Eid Al Fitr, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, by Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, comes as heartening news.

Citizens and residents have a major responsibility to protect themselves as also the entire society by sticking on to precautionary measures as advised by the health authorities to combat the deadly COVID-19.

The major decision has been taken following a comprehensive assessment of the Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management’s reports, various health and socio-economic aspects and a thorough review of the COVID-19 situation.

The new measures are aimed at adapting to the COVID-19 situation without disrupting activity in vital sectors while strictly observing precautionary measures including wearing of face masks, observing minimum physical distancing of two metres, use of sanitisers and regular handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds.

This is where the role of the public is crucial and any lapse on their part would not be acceptable.

Sheikh Mohammed’s statement “Everyone is responsible” perfectly highlights the prevailing situation.

The community should understand the importance of strictly following the preventive steps. Fully adhering to guidelines is the only key to restoring normal life.

The UAE’s ability to deal with the situation could also be gauged by the fact the number of COVID-19 tests has broken the two million mark, reaching 2,044,493 screenings as part of the national plan to intensify coronavirus detection

Dr Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammad Bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, has correctly attributed the success in conducting such a large number of tests to the tireless efforts of dedicated medical teams.

Dubai has enhanced its hospital capacity by joining hands with the private sector and set up a fully equipped field hospital in Dubai World Trade Centre, which can accommodate up to 3,000 beds.

Major sectors are also gearing up. Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has already held a virtual meeting with key aviation and hospitality partners to discuss current and post-pandemic strategies and joint initiatives aimed at ensuring the tourism industry’s gradual return to normalcy.

The meeting also discussed global efforts to minimise the transmission of COVID-19 and precautionary measures deployed to safeguard the health of communities across the UAE.

With the hospitality sector being a key pillar of Dubai’s economy, the discussions between Dubai Tourism and partners rightly focused on the steps being taken to pave the way for the reopening of hotels and other tourism facilities across the city, while ensuring adherence to the strictest guidelines and providing opportunities to revive domestic market demand.

Sheikh Hamdan’s wise words sums up the present scenario: “We have been following the severe impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on countries around the world. What makes us different is our ability to deal positively with changes and our agility. We have all the elements necessary to adapt to these challenging circumstances. I am confident that all members of the society will come together to overcome this crisis as soon as possible.”