The coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the globe has led to seismic changes in the everyday lives of millions of people here in the UAE.
Classrooms and lecture halls are empty, once bustling malls and packed restaurants are closed and offices that were once hives of industry are silent as staff work from home.
But not every worker has the chance to protect themselves and their loved ones by simply staying indoors – away from a deadly disease that does not discriminate and about which we still have much to learn.
Everyone is going the extra mile, which is very heart-warming. It makes your fatigue diminish when you see everyone carrying the weight
A crucial army of dedicated workers is tackling the virus head-on, providing health care, faithfully staffing chemist and supermarket counters, ensuring public transport runs smoothly for those who need it and even offering acts of kindness in troubling times.
While healthcare professionals are rightly lauded and cheered from balconies and front doors, they are not alone in putting the safety of others above their own.
The National has shone a light on a select few of these hardy workers battling to keep the UAE up and running while the majority must isolate at home.
The hospital doctor clocking up 18 hours a day to save lives
Fatima Al Kaabi knows only too well the risks posed by the highly contagious virus.
The department head of oncology and haematology at Seha’s Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi has twice had to be tested for Covid-19 due to her exposure to people carrying the virus.
“There are two aspects of life: the personal life, which doesn’t exist now and the professional life that has taken over the personal life,” she said.
“Before, I used to work from 8am to 5pm daily but since Covid-19 started we basically work 12 to 18 hours a day and are on call and alert 24/7. I will tell you why: it is because we have a very good team.
"Everyone is going the extra mile, which is very heart-warming. It makes your fatigue diminish when you see everyone carrying the weight.”
Dr Al Kaabi maintains a distance from her family when at home.
“All of my work clothes are put in a bag and dealt with separately. I am the only one who goes out to work and I come home late at night and keep my interactions with my family to a minimum.
"I’ll get tested before I come home to make sure everyone is kept safe,” she said.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“I see hope not because I want to see hope but because what is happening around us. If you see Wuhan, South Korea, Singapore, the curve is flattening, the death rate has gone down, and the new cases have diminished. So, this is coming to the UAE.
"We are just hopefully getting to the peak and flattening [the curve] soon, but even if the worst is yet to come we are ready to face it and that is the most important thing.”
The transport worker keeping the UAE on the move
Faisal Kamil from Sudan believes that people like him are at a greater risk of contracting the virus than most.
The quality control employee at City Transport – Abu Dhabi's public bus service operator – must be constantly on his guard against infection due to the nature of the job.
It is a weighty responsibility for a man with three children at home.
“We deal with hundreds of different people each day. You don’t know who is sick and who is not, unlike doctors for example, who know who is sick and who isn’t,” he said.
“I sanitise my hands. We sanitise the buses after each use, the seats, ourselves – everything is sanitised around the clock.”
In the darkest of hours for many, however, he is making the most of moments of joy.
“Life has been beautiful during self-quarantine. It is as if I just discovered who my children are. We have never spent so much time together before and we have formed stronger bonds with each other,” he said.
Although Mr Kamil and his family have been brought closer to together by the pandemic – others must stay apart from their loved ones to protect them.
The emergency worker forced to isolate from his family
Marwan Al Mansoori, an emergency responder with Dubai Ambulance Corporation, has not seen his three-year-old daughter for three weeks.
He moved out of the house to keep his family safe and will remain in his accommodation until the crisis is under control.
“The first thing I’ll do after this ends, is go home and give her a big hug,” he said.
Although he speaks to his daughter and his family on daily video calls, he said it is not enough.
“I can’t wait to lift her up and see her face light up. I will get her everything and anything she wants,” Mr Al Mansoori said.
At home he said they have told his daughter, Maryam, that he has travelled away for work.
“It is the only excuse we could give her because she couldn’t understand why I am not home to take her out which is what she is used to.”
He supports a large family and cannot risk returning home each night.
“While we are given full protective gear, there are 16 people living in my house: my elderly parents; my siblings and their children," he said
"I am the only person in the medical field and who goes out. The rest all have administrative jobs and are working from home right now. Right now, my job and the UAE needs me more than ever,” he said.
The Emirati paramedic fighting to save lives
His colleague, advanced paramedic Aysha Al Blooshi, has three children. Her youngest is five months old.
“We work 12 hours, four days on and four days off but now we work six days a week followed by two days off," she said.
"After each day, I take off all my work gear and shoes and leave it outside the house. Then before I even come close to my children, I take a shower.
"It is hard and everyone is tense but it is a necessity. I never expected or suspected anything like this would happen but thankfully, here in the UAE we take care of everyone. We treat everyone the same. Everyone will get the same care regardless of nationality."
The security guard looking out for the vulnerable
Muhammed Asif, a security guard at Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate hotel residence in Dubai, is concerned about his elderly residents.
He does not allow anyone who is not wearing a mask and gloves into the building and he personally handles all packages and deliveries.
“I ask the delivery men to leave the packages outside and I bring it in. I cannot take any risks. We have many long-staying occupants and a great number of them are elderly,” the father of one from Pakistan said.
“I always wear a mask and gloves and have hand sanitiser on my desk.”
The chemist rising to the challenge
Chemist Leen Fares admits life has "changed drastically" since the outbreak.
The Dubai resident said demand for services has doubled in recent weeks as concern about the virus continues to grow.
"My private life has completely changed in that movement has become restricted and fear has taken over," she said.
"Work has also changed drastically. We now have double the amount of customers come in every day and less staff on hand. The new regulations are that there should only be one pharmacist at the pharmacy."
The animal lover sheltering abandoned pets
Afra Al Dhaheri, a vet and owner of the Cloud 9 Pet Hotel in Abu Dhabi, made it her mission to shelter animals dumped by fearful owners who mistakenly believed they could contract Covid-19 from their pet.
“It is unbelievable how many we have rescued after Covid-19. So many have been dumped and it is so sad," she said. "Sometimes it is not the pet owners, it is the parents. I try to accept as many as I can."
“It makes me angry but I try to focus my energy on the pets. Some of them understand that they have been dumped.”
This is not her only act of generosity.
Ms Al Dhaheri offers free boarding and services for pets belonging to the doctors and nurses caring for patients.
“Anyone involved in helping Covid-19 patients, we are there for them. I know many of them work long hours in the hospital and do not have time for their pets – even if it is a turtle. We can care for them until the crisis is done.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
ACC%20T20%20Women%E2%80%99s%20Championship
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20fixtures%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EFriday%2C%20June%2017%20v%20Oman%3Cbr%3ESaturday%2C%20June%2018%20v%20Singapore%3Cbr%3EMonday%2C%20June%2020%20v%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EWednesday%2C%20June%2022%20v%20Qatar%3Cbr%3EFriday%2C%20June%2024%2C%20semi-final%3Cbr%3ESaturday%2C%20June%2025%2C%20final%3Cbr%3E%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20squad%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chaya%20Mughal%20(captain)%2C%20Esha%20Oza%2C%20Indhuja%20Nandakumar%2C%20Kavisha%20Kumari%2C%20Khushi%20Sharma%2C%20Lavanya%20Keny%2C%20Priyanjali%20Jain%2C%20Rithika%20Rajith%2C%20Samaira%20Dharnidharka%2C%20Sanchin%20Singh%2C%20Siya%20Gokhale%2C%20Suraksha%20Kotte%2C%20Theertha%20Satish%2C%20Vaishnave%20Mahesh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
Plan to boost public schools
A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.
It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.
Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.
Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.
BIG SPENDERS
Premier League clubs spent £230 million (Dh1.15 billion) on January transfers, the second-highest total for the mid-season window, the Sports Business Group at Deloitte said in a report.
More on Quran memorisation:
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
The Book of Collateral Damage
Sinan Antoon
(Yale University Press)
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Is it worth it? We put cheesecake frap to the test.
The verdict from the nutritionists is damning. But does a cheesecake frappuccino taste good enough to merit the indulgence?
My advice is to only go there if you have unusually sweet tooth. I like my puddings, but this was a bit much even for me. The first hit is a winner, but it's downhill, slowly, from there. Each sip is a little less satisfying than the last, and maybe it was just all that sugar, but it isn't long before the rush is replaced by a creeping remorse. And half of the thing is still left.
The caramel version is far superior to the blueberry, too. If someone put a full caramel cheesecake through a liquidiser and scooped out the contents, it would probably taste something like this. Blueberry, on the other hand, has more of an artificial taste. It's like someone has tried to invent this drink in a lab, and while early results were promising, they're still in the testing phase. It isn't terrible, but something isn't quite right either.
So if you want an experience, go for a small, and opt for the caramel. But if you want a cheesecake, it's probably more satisfying, and not quite as unhealthy, to just order the real thing.
Panipat
Director Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment
Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman
Rating 3 /5 stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S24%20ULTRA
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Mobile phone packages comparison
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
A general guide to how active you are:
Less than 5,000 steps - sedentary
5,000 - 9,999 steps - lightly active
10,000 - 12,500 steps - active
12,500 - highly active
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The specs: 2017 Dodge Viper SRT
Price, base / as tested Dh460,000
Engine 8.4L V10
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 645hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 813Nm @ 5,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 16.8L / 100km
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Warlight,
Michael Ondaatje, Knopf
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Celta Vigo 2
Castro (45'), Aspas (82')
Barcelona 2
Dembele (36'), Alcacer (64')
Red card: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BIO
Favourite holiday destination: Turkey - because the government look after animals so well there.
Favourite film: I love scary movies. I have so many favourites but The Ring stands out.
Favourite book: The Lord of the Rings. I didn’t like the movies but I loved the books.
Favourite colour: Black.
Favourite music: Hard rock. I actually also perform as a rock DJ in Dubai.
Jiu-jitsu calendar of events for 2017-2018:
August 5:
Round-1 of the President’s Cup in Al Ain.
August 11-13:
Asian Championship in Vietnam.
September 8-9:
Ajman International.
September 16-17
Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Ashgabat.
September 22-24:
IJJF Balkan Junior Open, Montenegro.
September 23-24:
Grand Slam Los Angeles.
September 29:
Round-1 Mother of The Nation Cup.
October 13-14:
Al Ain U18 International.
September 20-21:
Al Ain International.
November 3:
Round-2 Mother of The National Cup.
November 4:
Round-2 President’s Cup.
November 10-12:
Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro.
November 24-26:
World Championship, Columbia.
November 30:
World Beach Championship, Columbia.
December 8-9:
Dubai International.
December 23:
Round-3 President’s Cup, Sharjah.
January 12-13:
Grand Slam Abu Dhabi.
January 26-27:
Fujairah International.
February 3:
Round-4 President’s Cup, Al Dhafra.
February 16-17:
Ras Al Khaimah International.
February 23-24:
The Challenge Championship.
March 10-11:
Grand Slam London.
March 16:
Final Round – Mother of The Nation.
March 17:
Final Round – President’s Cup.
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About Krews
Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: January 2019
Number of employees: 10
Sector: Technology/Social media
Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support
HWJN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Yasir%20Alyasiri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Baraa%20Alem%2C%20Nour%20Alkhadra%2C%20Alanoud%20Saud%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)