Watch: National anthem heard across Abu Dhabi as residents sing from their balconies

People in the capital were asked to sing at 9pm on Friday to show appreciation for healthcare workers

Abu Dhabi residents came out in force on Friday night to belt out the UAE national anthem in support of the country's healthcare workers.

The impassioned renditions of the anthem were sung from balconies and blared from passing cars as people answered a call to show solidarity with the UAE's efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The initiative was proposed by Maitha bin Ahmed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Dopamine Foundation for Happiness and Positivity and Abu Dhabi Police as an expression of gratitude for the country's leadership and healthcare workers.

Children were some of the most common sights in videos posted to social media of people partaking in the event, as they waved flags and chanted from their balconies.

However, Abu Dhabi Police also got in on the action, driving slowly through neighbourhoods in the capital, sirens lit up and anthem blaring from speakers.

The gesture aimed to show workers on the front lines of defence against Covid-19 how much their work is appreciated. They include disinfection campaign workers, police officers, supermarket staff and medics.

It's a slight variation on the usual 8pm cheer for healthcare workers, which has become a nightly staple across the UAE and much of the world.

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