UAE Measures and Response to the New Coronavirus

Nations and governments are facing such a challenging time in world history. The outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) is an unprecedented situation which magnitude has disrupted world economies and people’s daily lives.

In response to the global outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), UAE public health authorities are taking action to protect the safety and well-being of citizens, residents, and visitors.   

UAE’s early precautions in fight against COVID-19

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is positive in going through the tough times and surviving the myriad challenges brought about by this virus. According to his statement in the Khaleej Times, the foresight of the UAE to adopt early precautionary measures have been successful in containing the spread of the virus. The country has benefitted from the experience of other advanced countries which faced repercussions brought about by the novel virus.

Some of the measures which were already taken to curb the spread of the disease are by placing travel restrictions and temporary suspension on issuing visas and entry into the UAE effective 19 March.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement suspending the entry of GCC Citizens starting 20 March as part of the precautionary and preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus.

The Dubai Municipality also began a drive to disinfect the streets to prevent COVID-19 spread. The 11-day disinfection programme began Friday, 20 March, teams specialized in sanitation will be using disinfectant fogging machines, steam cleaning machines, and disinfectant sprayers mounted on cars and trucks to sterilize 95 roads in Dubai.

The aviation and travel industry also took on a hard decision to suspend flights from over a hundred destinations from 25 March to 30 June. UAE airlines’ websites have constant updates on flight schedules and cancellations.

Many events and conferences in the UAE have already been postponed and canceled as a precaution.

Here for you

UAE resident visa holders, who are currently out of the country, may contact The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at +97124965228 or +97192083344. The Ministry also introduced “Tawajudi for Residents”, a new service intended for residents to facilitate the safe return to UAE.

Helpful Links:

https://www.uae-embassy.org/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-information-uae-response

https://www.mofaic.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2020/3/21/21-03-2020-uae-tawajudi