Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised the UAE's decades-long investment in its infrastructure for helping it to weather the storm of the Covid-19 pandemic and emerge as a more resilient nation.
The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai said the spread of the coronavirus around the globe was "one of the biggest challenges humanity has faced in its known history".
Sheikh Mohammed's remarks came in the Emirates Group's annual report. In it, he praised the public and private sector for their robust response to the wide-ranging challenges presented by the coronavirus.
"We have been tested in our ability to deal with this unforeseen situation, but we have emerged out of it tougher," Sheikh Mohammed said.
"In many ways, the UAE has proved to be one of the best prepared countries to deal with this pandemic.
"Not only have we effectively safeguarded the health and well-being of citizens and residents, we have also weathered the economic impact of the crisis.
"The investments we made over the last few decades to create a world-leading infrastructure, thanks to the vision of our founding fathers, combined with our robust institutions and public services, have enabled us to counter the Covid-19 challenge."
Sheikh Mohammed praised all sections of society for coming together to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
"The joint efforts of the public and private sectors in mounting a strong healthcare response is one of the examples of this spirit of solidarity," he said.
-
People get tested for coronavirus at the Mina Rashid screening centre in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, health authorities have called upon citizens and residents to join with the efforts of health care professionals. Health workers, such as these Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, have led the way. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Healthcare workers at the emergency ward in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. The President, Sheikh Khalifa, has paid tribute to the frontline workers who helped to curb Covid-19. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Healthcare workers at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City receive a patient outside the emergency department. Reem Mohammed / The National -
A consultant physician at the emergency department in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, receives a Covid-19 patient. Reem Mohammed / The National -
People get the laser blood test tests at the Mina Rashid screening centre in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A nurse sanitises her hands after conducting a swab test at one of the UAE's screening drive-through centres in Mina Rashid, Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
A health worker taking the Covid-19 nasal swab test at a testing station in thet Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Nurse Renu Venugopal, who contracted Covid-19, recovered and continued to treat patients at Al Zahra Hospital, Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ruth Deva Kiruba says being pregnant during a pandemic was surreal and sometimes lonely. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
EMT nurse Jephy Antony, who contracted Covid-19, recovered and continued to treat patients at the NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A visitor gets tested at the Ras Al Khaimah Covid-19 drive-through testing centre. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Nurse Nikhil Rajendran inside the fever clinic at the Bareen International Hospital in Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National -
Shane Simeon Galang from Philippines, Mervat Aslan Mhgoub Mohamed from Egypt and Sowmya Kotian from India, who are nurses at the Bareen International Hospital in Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National
He said the Dubai government placed a high priority on delivering support to businesses to ease pressures brought on by the outbreak.
"Going ahead, we continue to remain committed to helping all sectors in recovering on a solid footing," he said.
Rapid action vital to Covid-19 fight
"Amidst the pandemic, our model for finding solutions to challenges has been marked by co-operation, humanitarian values and rapid action," Sheikh Mohammed said.
He emphasised how important industries helped to stage a recovery.
"The response of Dubai’s aviation and logistics industry leaders to the disruption caused by Covid-19 is a key example of our nation’s ability to rise to the challenge in these testing times," he said.
"Working unitedly, they have been quick to use their global capabilities not only to facilitate the rapid distribution of vaccines in the country but also send relief and humanitarian aid to developing nations."
He pinpointed the pivotal role played in the economy by Emirates airline.
"Emirates Group actively contributes to Dubai’s economic success and is central to our future growth and prosperity. I am confident the group will continue its role as a world-leading organisation shaping the future of global aviation, while also furthering the UAE’s vision and aspirations."
Celebrating a golden era
Sheikh Mohammed looked ahead to what will be a historic second half of the year for the Emirates, highlighted by its Golden Jubilee celebrations in December.
"The UAE will mark 50 years of nationhood in December 2021. Growing from a modest regional trading post to a nation that sent the Arab world’s first space mission to Mars, the UAE’s development has been truly extraordinary.
"I look forward to our country achieving greater successes and accelerating our progress on the ambitious path set by our founding leaders. Their vision to drive human advancement and create a better world for future generations continues to inspire us."
