A health chief leading Abu Dhabi's battle against Covid-19 has spoken of his own fight against the virus.
Matar Al Nuaimi, director general of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, was responsible for a large part of the capital's response to the pandemic.
As a former colonel in the UAE Armed Forces who trained military medical staff, he was deemed the ideal person to prepare for the detection of cases.
"I believe in the importance of training in all fields. I know that by training thoroughly and effectively you can accomplish at least 70 per cent of your mission," he said.
But only a couple of weeks in, he developed symptoms of the virus he was working to protect the public against.
It was my fate to deal with Covid-19 both, professionally and as a patient
"On the February 8, I started getting sick – I had a fever and a feeling that it was Covid-19, so I went directly to the hospital and got tested," he said.
The result was positive.
“It was fate. It was my fate to deal with Covid-19 both, professionally and as a patient,” he said.
The experience was stressful for himself and his family, but he was determined it would not stop him performing his duty for “even one day”.
Confined to his isolation bed for 20 days, he kept pressing ahead with work.
“I felt that my duty was pushing me to continue working, I wanted my teams in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra to see me on a daily basis, aiming to promote the idea that no matter what we are going through, we all are in this fight together, to serve our part towards our country and the UAE community," he said.
During his stay, he received a call from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to check on him.
Mr Al Nuaimi said planning for the outbreak began in January, when the World Health Organisation warned the world about the virus.
That began a cascade of preparations in the UAE, before the first cases were detected in the country in a family of four from the Chinese city of Wuhan on January 29.
The work included training, checking medical capabilities and equipment, and communication and integration of the UAE’s many public and private healthcare systems.
“This was all before Covid-19 actually hit,” he said.
Medics learnt about the symptoms and an early reference sample of the virus was brought to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City for comparison and analysis.
Isolation centres and field hospitals were established.
“We did not want to overwhelm the health sector; putting that amount of pressure on the healthcare system could result in unwelcome outcomes – you will not be able to do anything else," Mr Al Nuaimi said.
He paid tribute to the heroes fighting the epidemic on the front lines.
Frontline workers such as Mr Al Nuaimi have been listed in a nationwide database of people deemed essential to the fight against the virus.
In total, 80,000 medical staff, officials and others have been identified, with their contact details and specialisms listed.
In addition, they will be given incentives to stay and settle in the country long-term, in the form of discounts and support.
“They have sacrificed a lot,” he said.
“They’ve sacrificed time with their family, their rest, their health, maybe even the mental well-being of themselves.
"I know people that work during peak times in stressful places – laboratory, ambulance services, emergency room, ICUs – it is stressful by nature.
"Under these circumstances people from all areas have pulled together. This dedication, this commitment is unique in the UAE.”
SM Town Live is on Friday, April 6 at Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. Tickets are Dh375 at www.platinumlist.net
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO
Age: 33
Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill
Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.
Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?
Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
How Sputnik V works
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
The specs: 2018 Renault Koleos
Price, base: From Dh77,900
Engine: 2.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 170hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 233Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.3L / 100km
Points about the fast fashion industry Celine Hajjar wants everyone to know
- Fast fashion is responsible for up to 10 per cent of global carbon emissions
- Fast fashion is responsible for 24 per cent of the world's insecticides
- Synthetic fibres that make up the average garment can take hundreds of years to biodegrade
- Fast fashion labour workers make 80 per cent less than the required salary to live
- 27 million fast fashion workers worldwide suffer from work-related illnesses and diseases
- Hundreds of thousands of fast fashion labourers work without rights or protection and 80 per cent of them are women
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
India squad
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, K.L. Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur.
Tips%20for%20travelling%20while%20needing%20dialysis
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EInform%20your%20doctor%20about%20your%20plans.%C2%A0%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAsk%20about%20your%20treatment%20so%20you%20know%20how%20it%20works.%C2%A0%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPay%20attention%20to%20your%20health%20if%20you%20travel%20to%20a%20hot%20destination.%C2%A0%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPlan%20your%20trip%20well.%C2%A0%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
