Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi ranks first in major global survey for its response to the Covid-19 pandemic

City leads 25 others for how it dealt with the outbreak

Families walk in Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi private school staff wait to be vaccinated against Covid-19 as part of a drive organised by Adek. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge

A man receives a dose of a vaccine against Covid-19 at St Paul’s Church in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A coronavirus vaccine shipment is unloaded from an Emirates aircraft at Dubai International Airport on February 1. The airline is part of the Vaccine Logistics Alliance, which also includes logistics giant DP World. AFP

A panel indicates the way to a Covid-19 vaccination centre set up at Dubai International Financial Centre. AFP

A woman waits for her turn at a vaccination centre at Dubai International Financial Centre. AFP

A man is registered before receiving a dose of vaccine at a centre in Dubai International Financial Centre. AFP

A health worker checks a man's temperature before he receives a dose of vaccine. AFP

A commuter wears a face mask while travelling on the Dubai Metro. AP

Abu Dhabi topped a list of the world's 25 leading cities for their response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The ranking, based on 50 parameters in five categories including health care and the economy, demonstrated the impact of the emirate’s response to the pandemic.

Health authorities implemented mass testing, introduced a comprehensive vaccination programme and offered financial support to businesses, while opening up in safe manner.

Abu Dhabi was followed by Seoul, Sydney, Singapore, Ottawa and Berlin in the report issued by London-based analytics consortium Deep Knowledge Group.

Within weeks of the pandemic breaking out in March 2020, authorities established field hospitals, mass testing centres and screening facilities.

Initiatives prioritised vulnerable groups, included free testing and health checks, the distribution of millions of free meals, the launch of health awareness programmes in many languages and mental health support.

Doctors and researchers collaborated in global efforts to find a vaccine, including leading the world's first Phase III trials of an inactivated viral vaccine.

Logistics have also been important, with the establishment of the Hope Consortium to co-ordinate the delivery of billions of doses of vaccines around the world.

Now tourism chiefs are also ensuring the city is reopening in safe way with the introduction of the green list. Anyone coming from a country on the list does not have to quarantine.

Major exhibitions such as Idex have been staged safely, showing that Abu Dhabi is emerging strongly into the post-coronavirus world.