UAE raises the bar on people’s faith in it

Trust in the UAE government is rock-solid, and the country has earned it – by sheer dint of sincerity and diligence. The fact that a survey puts the government as the most trustworthy entity, more than businesses, NGOs and the media, speaks volumes for the virtues of the able governance.

The 20th anniversary edition of the Edelman UAE Trust Barometer reveals that trust in this country remains very high. The research, conducted by Edelman Intelligence, a global insight and analytics consultancy, surveyed  34,000 respondents in 28 markets.

Trust in the Government is evidenced by 55 per cent of respondents who believe it serves the interests of everyone equally and fairly. The Government also ranks highest in competence and ethics, doing best at international alliances and defence, safe and modern infrastructure and regulating emerging tech.

Omar Qirem, CEO, Edelman Middle East, said: “The UAE benefits from strong leadership and trust in Government – unlike other parts of the world.”

This is because the leaders practise what they preach. They encourage and help both Emiratis and expatriates alike.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, recently praised a young Emirati girl who took up the responsibilities to become a nurse – in pandemic times.

Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter, “Hamda Ali Al-Doubi... an Emirati nurse in the frontline of defence... a graduate of Fatima College of Health Sciences.

“Greetings to her... Greetings to Sheikha Fatima, who sponsored her college... Greetings to the homeland that brings out new models of heroes every day.”

Thanks to the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, around 400 million children globally have received the necessary vaccines to prevent the spread of polio. He has helped provide over 71 million children in Pakistan with vital polio vaccines.  Last year, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, came to the rescue of an Emirati woman who was in dire financial straits owing to debts and arrest of her husband.

Sheikh Sultan called Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, and instructed him to address the issue. The woman’s husband returned home within an hour of Sheikh Sultan’s instruction.

His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, helped a seven-year-old British boy’s mother who was stranded in the UK return to the UAE.

Jessica Fitzjohn travelled to Britain to attend the funeral of her father but was unable to return because of travel restrictions related to the coronavirus outbreak. Her son, Archie Appleyard, and husband, Richard, live in Ras Al Khaimah. Archie, a pupil at RAK Academy, sent a hand-written letter and drawing to Sheikh Saud explaining their predicament and asking for his help.

Sheikh Saud’s prompt response saw the mother land on the shores of Ras Al Khaimah and reunite with her family.

It is such acts of leaders that bring smiles to the faces of people and enhance the humanitarian face of this country.

The UAE’s sterling and humane acts towards other countries during the coronavirus outbreak are very noteworthy. It has sent medical aid to countries not just in the region, but even those thousands of kilometres away – in Colombia and the Dominican Republic.

Seven tonnes of supplies have been sent to the Dominican Republic and another eight tonnes to Colombia.  This aid will assist thousands of medical professionals as they work to contain the virus.

The UAE leadership makes earnest efforts to look after the welfare of the people, including workers, particularly under current distressing circumstances caused by the coronavirus.

This intertwined with the nation’s history of promoting values of peaceful co-existence, fraternity, amity and tolerance makes it the ideal go-to country in the world.