Coronavirus: Tributes paid to 'kind' Dubai father who died after contracting Covid-19

Jordanian Omar Rawashdeh, 48, died 10 days after being admitted to hospital

Omar Rawashdeh, 48, was admitted to the emirate's Rashid Hospital ten days ago after testing positive for the virus. Courtesy: Izzadin Al Rawashdeh

Latest: UAE residents tell of turmoil at being stranded abroad

Tributes have been paid to a Dubai father who died after contracting Covid-19.

Omar Rawashdeh, 48, was admitted to Rashid Hospital 10 days ago after testing positive for the virus.

His cousin, Izzadin Al Rawashdeh, said on Monday that he was told of his relative's death that morning.

He said many family members had been unaware that the Jordanian citizen, who worked as an executive director for telecoms firm Etisalat, had been unwell.

"We didn't know that he was at the hospital until Sunday night when he was moved to the ICU around 10pm," Mr Al Rawashdeh said.

"Today at 6.30am I was informed that he had passed away."

Al Rawashdeh, a father of boys aged 18 and 11, and a girl, 8, was understood to have died from complications resulting from Covid-19.

"It was very shocking to hear about his death as he was young and in good health," his cousin said.

"He moved to the country approximately 20 years ago and worked at Etisalat as a networks executive director.

"He was well known for his kindness, good manners and his efforts to help people in need. We will miss him and his big smile."

Adnan Al Awdat, a friend of Al Wawashdeh, spoke of his shock over the loss of a man who was always there for others.

"He was a good man and always there for his family and friends," said Mr Al Awdat.
"His death has shocked us all, and we pray to God to protect his family and all of us from this virus.
 "Our deepest condolences go to his family and children.

"We appreciate the UAE government efforts in keeping everyone safe and providing treatment to our dear friend during this critical time.
 "We are also very grateful to the UAE for arranging his funeral and burial in an honourable way."

A limited number of family members attended the burial ceremony on Monday in Al Quoz Cemetery.

Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates confirmed Al Rawashdeh's death on Monday.

“The Jordanian consulate has been following on his condition, which lately deteriorated leading to his death,” ministry spokesman Daifallah Fayez said.

Condolences were paid by friends and relatives on social media.

"I was so saddened to hear Omar Rawashdeh's passed away," Michelle D'cruz said on Facebook.

"I pray your family will have strength during this time of loss. My sincerest condolences for an incredibly great loss. I'll never forget."

Another friend posted a tribute of Facebook offering his sincere condolences to the family

"We mourn with further grief and sorrow, our dear brother and friend, Omar Rawashdeh, who passed away in Dubai. Our sincere condolences to the family of our dear friend," said Khaled Abu Zaid.

A total of 484 new coronavirus cases were recorded in the UAE on Monday, pushing the country's total to 7,265.

A further 74 patients made full recoveries from Covid-19, taking the number to 1,360.

Another two people, both from unspecified Asian countries, died after contracting the virus, taking the toll to 43.

UAE tackles coronavirus outbreak - in pictures

Dubai Mounted Police officers, in Al Aweer, patrol residential and commercial areas from 6pm to 6am to ensure residents are staying safe indoors during Covid-19 lockdown. Reem Mohammed / The National

Downtown Abu Dhabi shot from Al Reem Island. Victor Besa / The National

The Dubai Mounted Police department was established in 1976 with seven horses, five riders and four horse groomers. Today it has more than 130 Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, 75 riders and 45 groomers. Reem Mohammed / The National

Dubai Mounted Police officers patrol the streets from 6pm to 6am. Reem Mohammed / The National

Dubai Mounted Police officers line-up for a briefing before saddling up the horses. Reem Mohammed / The National

Dubai Mounted Police officers, in Al Aweer. Reem Mohammed / The National

A delivery van crosses back to downtown Abu Dhabi from Al Maryah Island on a hazy day. Victor Besa / The National

Police efforts at labour camps to combat the spread of Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

The Carpet Souk at the Zayed Port area. Carpet salesmen waiting for customers. Victor Besa / The National

The Carpet Souk at the Zayed Port area. Victor Besa / The National

Ramadan date sales at the Abu Dhabi Dates market at Mina Zayed. Victor Besa / The National

Commuters wait for their bus along Airport Road. Victor Besa / The National

View of the quiet street in International City in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

View of the empty road going towards Atlantis hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

View of the tunnel near the Atlantis hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National