UAE successfully keeps a lid on virus cases

The UAE has strived to keep a lid on the spiral in coronavirus cases and deaths. Compared to countries such as Brazil, with over 14 million cases and 400,000 deaths, or India, which has seen 20 million cases so far, the UAE has managed to stick to a much lower figure. The total number of recorded cases in the UAE are 525,567.

Under this framework, the UAE has become a successful model of adapting to the “new reality,” by implementing procedures. Amid abnormal times, it wants to – and has already made headway in this regard – to ensure a normal life for everyone as soon as possible. It has made arrangements to ensure a smooth continuity of education and health systems and the recovery of the economic and commercial sectors, in addition to the partial resumption of tourism and entertainment activities.

Moreover, the UAE recently hosted several events and succeeded in resuming the hosting of global events that were affected by the start of the pandemic in late 2019. The country organised several sporting events, and the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2021 , Gulfood 2021 and the UAE Tour, which drew a major global footfall.

The UAE has also not held back on the completion, or enjoyment of, key landmark projects. The UAE has successfully launched the Hope Probe to Mars and the operations of the second unit of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.

The United Arab Emirates’ central bank has said total liquidity has returned to the level before the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the UAE is celebrating its golden jubilee and preparing for the next 50 years, through a range of ambitious projects that will reinforce its stature among advanced countries.

The 2020 Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) recently announced that the UAE is ranked first in the Arab region and second globally in terms of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UAE is advancing steadily towards achieving herd immunity, by providing 10,563,125 COVID-19 vaccine doses by May 2, 2021.

The UAE is at the forefront among countries in terms of COVID-19 vaccine distribution rate.

Furthermore, the UAE is continuing to conduct extensive testing, with the total number of coronavirus tests performed in the country exceeding 44,463,421 until May 2, a rate of 4.49 tests for every person.

The UAE has adopted a comprehensive economic support plan that includes a range of procedures aimed at containing the effects of the pandemic on the economy. The country has allocated a flexible direct budget of Dhs256 billion to reduce the pandemic’s impact on the community, and protect consumers and companies.

The UAE is also lending a helping hand to countries badly hit by the coronavirus. It sent a plane containing 50 metric tonnes of food supplies to Kyrgyzstan as part of its initiatives during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Saeed Matar Al-Qemzi, UAE Ambassador to Uzbekistan and Non-Resident Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, said, “The UAE has committed to supporting brotherly and friendly countries in all circumstances. This plane comes during the Holy Month of Ramadan as part of the country’s tireless efforts and the firm values of its wise leadership in service of cooperation and solidarity.”

He added, “Kyrgyzstan was among the countries that previously received UAE assistance in efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. On April 23, 2020, a plane carrying 7 metric tonnes of medical supplies was dispatched, benefiting 7,000 medical personnel.”

The UAE has also sent food aid to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Comoros, Sudan, Mauritania, Egypt and Gambia among other countries.

It also provided vaccine doses and food aid to Syria.