Coronavirus: US medics fly to UAE to join fight against Covid-19

Dozens of healthcare workers from Cleveland Clinic in America will spend six weeks at their sister site in Abu Dhabi

A healthcare worker tests a man for Covid-19 at a screening facility in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Reuters

Dozens of "remarkable" frontline medics have journeyed from the United States to the UAE to offer crucial treatment to critically ill patients battling Covid-19.

A team of 40 healthcare workers, including nurses and physicians, will spend six weeks aiding efforts to combat the pandemic at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

The medical staff have been drafted in from the Cleveland Clinic site in America, part of the network of Mubadala facilities, to share knowledge and expertise to help overcome a virus which has swept across the globe throughout the year.

They will also learn lessons on how health services in the UAE have worked to ensure resources are in place to support those who have contracted coronavirus.

“This international health crisis requires a collaborative effort to share best practice and find the most effective treatments for Covid-19 patients," said Dr Rakesh Suri, chief executive of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

"We are proud to be working with experts in the Department of Health, Seha and Mubadala in treating the disease in the UAE and we are grateful to be able to share some key learnings with colleagues from the global Cleveland Clinic network.”

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has been designated as a tier three hospital by the emirate's Department of Health, meaning it is tasked with the responsibility of caring for patients with the most severe symptoms.

A woman wearing a protective face mask rides her scooter on the streets of Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Employees at Future Tyres Trading in Al Quoz, Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

Dubai residents enjoy access to Kite Beach in Jumeirah with the Covid-19 precautions in place. Antonie Robertson / The National

Residents soak in the sunshine at Kite Beach in Jumeirah, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai's reopened beaches have proved a hot spot for visitors eager for respite from weeks spent indoors. Antonie Robertson / The National

Cricket net practice returns in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A cricketer disinfects the stumps. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A young cricketer bowls a delivery in a net session. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A woman wearing protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus boards a bus in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

People wearing face masks board a bus in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Safety guidelines are displayed at popular visitor attractions such as Kite Beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Safety warnings ensure beach-goers in Dubai remain on guard. Antonie Robertson / The National

Operators at their desks at Dubai's Covid-19 Command and Control Centre at Mohammed bin Rashid University. AFP

Operators at their desks at Dubai's Covid-19 Command and Control Centre at Mohammed bin Rashid University. AFP

Emiratis with their protective masks at Mohammed bin Rashid University in Dubai. AFP

“I want to thank these remarkable physicians, who are willing to cross oceans to assist people," said Herb Wiedemann, chief of staff at Cleveland Clinic in the US.

"By working together, hospitals around the world will be able to better understand this disease and the most effective ways to treat it. We are grateful to the authorities and people of Abu Dhabi for their warm welcome and willingness to share their insights with us.”