Top of the world

A few days ago I read in the news that the United Arab Emirates has overtaken Seychelles to become the world’s most vaccinated nation. Earlier to that, there was a report that its passport stood in third place globally in the passport index. And now another milestone. What all this means is that the nation is on the up, even under trying times (“UAE ranked the second safest country in the world,” July 8, Gulf Today).

That the new global survey put the UAE as the second safest country in the world and in the Arab region, is a testament that the leadership has its finger on the pulse, making sure that its citizen and the country is well protected against danger.

While nations across the globe where the coronavirus has wreaked havoc destroying lives and society, struggle, the UAE’s record in controlling the pandemic is praiseworthy. The country has become the world’s most vaccinated nation with its state-of-the-art healthcare system. It has so far administered about 15.5 million doses, which is enough to cover two doses regimen for 72.1 per cent of its population.

And it also has one of the lowest fatality rates in the world. That is because the health authorities came out with strict precautionary measures to protect members of the community, thereby curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Moving to the economy, despite the challenges of travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE has successfully opened its doors to tourism and commercial activities, and resumed operations at international airports.

Last month Dubai Airports reopened Terminal 1 and Concourse D at the Dubai International Airport, and it was reported that Emirates Airlines plans to reactivate 90 per cent of its destinations network by the end of July.

As for the passport, holders of the UAE passport can enter 134 countries around the world, including 86 countries without a prior visa, and 48 countries with visas to be obtained online or upon arrival. Great going, UAE.

Vishal Rathod — By email