'From the tip of RAK down to Abu Dhabi': a call for the whole of the UAE to clap at 8pm on Thursday night

Saadiyat Island resident, Louisa Bishop, urges for a concerted, countrywide effort as a show of appreciation for frontline workers

Abu Dhabi resident Louisa Bishop, 42, is hoping that people across the UAE will come together at 8pm tonight “to applaud the incredible work of everyone putting their own safety on the line on a daily basis to keep this country safe”.

Residents in areas such as Dubai Marina, Bur Dubai, JLT and Reem Island first took to their balconies on Saturday, March 21, to show gratitude for essential workers, from those in hospitals to the delivery drivers making sure people receive essential items.

And while this has become a regular occurrence in some communities across the UAE, there has yet to be a countrywide chorus of claps showing recognition of those who continue to toil as the rest of us have retreated to the safety of our homes, says Bishop.

Residents cheering from their balcony on Wednesday, March 25 in Al Mankhool. Pawan Singh / Bur Dubai

"I realised that there were many communities here doing claps on a nightly basis but that we had not united as a nation to applaud together.

"I feel it is important in these unprecedented times to show our appreciation and thanks as a nation. From the tip of Ras Al Khaimah down to Abu Dhabi, let us give everyone a thankful applause and unite as one.

"I know it brings joy and hope to many and it is so inspiring to watch communities and the country come together as one while maintaining social distance," Bishop told The National.

The British national, who lives on Saadiyat Island, has been spreading the word on social media, using the hashtag #uaeunitedasoneapplause. "These are unknown times for all of us and for most of us living here this is our adopted country," she says.

“The UAE has acted swiftly, and thanks to its continued effort we are all a little bit safer. So, this Thursday let us stand together as a nation to celebrate this and thank them for all their hard work and continued effort in this fight."

From London to Beirut and New York to New Delhi, people across the world have been uniting to show their gratitude for the efforts of frontline workers.

On Sunday, April 5, lights were switched off across India as people lit candles and lamps for nine minutes, as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "9pm for 9 minutes" initiative, asking the nation for a show of solidarity and resolve in fighting against the coronavirus.

Bollywood actors Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with their daughter Aaradhya, clap from atop a residential building to thank essential service providers during a one-day curfew imposed in Mumbai. AFP

People from all walks of life were spotted taking part in the collective countrywide gesture – from businessmen (including Mukhesh Ambani, known as the richest man in the country), to film and sports personalities and rickshaw drivers.

In the UK, thousands of people have shown their appreciation of NHS workers by clapping and sending messages out via social media, including members of the royal family.

Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton posted a video of their children clapping on Twitter, with a note saying: "To all the doctors, nurses, carers, GPs, pharmacists, volunteers and other NHS staff working tirelessly to help those affected by Covid-19: thank you."