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.
