Coronavirus: Dubai's Sheikh Hamdan launches Dh1.5bn economic stimulus package

Emirate introduces measures to protect citizens and businesses from exceptional circumstances brought by Covid-19

A man wearing protective mask, following an outbreak of coronavirus, walks at Global Village in Dubai The emirate has introduced measures to reduce the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. ReutersShow less

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, on Thursday unveiled an economic stimulus package worth Dh1.5bn aimed at reducing the effects of the coronavirus.

The package includes measures to protect businesses, especially in tourism, retail, external trade and logistics services.

"The world is going through difficult times but we have the capability to navigate challenges successfully,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

“As we have learned from Sheikh Mohammed, challenges enhance a society’s ability to develop and advance by generating innovative and creative solutions.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, issued directives for the stimulus package to provide the highest support for citizens, residents and investors in these exceptional circumstances, Sheikh Hamdan said.

A member of the Istanbul's Municipality disinfects the Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, in Istanbul. AFP

Employees of the Istanbul Municipality disinfects a train of metro to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA

Health personnel wait to check the temperature of passengers at Tunis-Carthage Airport in the Tunisian capital Tunis. AFP

A health personnel monitors a thermal scanner as passengers arrive at Tunis-Carthage Airport in the Tunisian capital Tunis. AFP

People crowed at a supermarket as they begin to stock up on provisions, in Beirut, Lebanon. AP

A Palestinian municipality worker disinfects the enclosures at Rafah Zoo in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP

A Palestinian municipality worker disinfects the chairs at Rafah Zoo in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP

A combination picture shows Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims gathering near Imam Ali shrine ahead of the holy Shi'ite ritual of Arbaeen in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq. Reuters

A combination picture shows worshippers attending a prayer at the Imam Ali shrine in the holy Shi'ite city of Najaf, Iraq August 23, 2019 (top), and Shi'ite Muslims at Imam Ali Shrine while it is almost empty. Reuters

A Syrian refugee student takes part in a washing hands activity as part of an awareness campaign about coronavirus initiated by OXFAM and UNICEF at Al Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan. Reuters

Syrian refugee students take part in a washing hands activity during an awareness campaign about coronavirus initiated by OXFAM and UNICEF at Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan. Reuters

People queue in front of a bakery in Kuwait City . AFP

The measures will be introduced with immediate effect and will be valid for the next three months, after which their effects on the economy will be reviewed.

The Dubai government has introduced nine initiatives over the next three months, including a freeze on the 2.5 per cent market fees for all facilities operating in Dubai.

There will also be a refund of 20 per cent on the Customs fees imposed on imported products sold locally in Dubai markets.

A 10 per cent cut to water and electricity bills for citizens, expatriate residents and businesses will be brought in for three months to reduce living and operating costs.

The deposit paid for water and electricity connections will be reduced by 50 per cent.

"We are continuing our efforts to become a major player in shaping the future of the world,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

He said the Dubai government was working “to ensure Dubai remains a model in enabling people to achieve the highest levels of excellence and success".

The spread of coronavirus around the world has hit economies hard.

Financial markets worldwide endured their worst day since 1987 as continued fears about the effect it could have continue to shake investor confidence.

Governments in many countries have unveiled stimulus packages aimed at protecting their citizens from the virus.