Breathtaking UAE National Day show pays tribute to frontline heroes

The UAE's 49th National Day show, under the theme 'Seeds of the Union', paid a special tribute to those at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19.

"In this year that we shall never forget, we have been in awe of our frontline heroes, whose courage and embodiment of our national values has inspired us and kept us safe during the COVID-19 pandemic," the show organisers highlighted. 

The ‘Seeds of the Union’ highlighted the stories of seven heroes who represented countless examples of bravery, selflessness, sacrifice and heroism witnessed across the UAE this year.

Amal Badr Al Bussaidi, Head of the Technical Support Unit at the UAE Red Crescent, worked tirelessly for more than six months at the Ghantout COVID-19 quarantine facility. 

Iris Ena Diel, from the Philippines, provided essential care and support to countless COVID-19 patients as a nurse at the Sharjah Expo Field Hospital. 

Esraa Al Agha, a medical student in Ajman, volunteered at Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, in quarantine hotels, and performed COVID-19 tests in challenging settings.

Habib Saifulmalook, from Pakistan, showed remarkable work ethic as an ambulance driver in Sharjah throughout the pandemic, reliably transporting patients, medical staff and essential supplies around the emirate.

Captain Mayed Ali Alameiry, Deputy Harbour Master at the Port of Fujairah and a member of the Executive Committee of the Local Crisis and Emergency Management Team, was at the centre of the planning and execution of the port’s responses to COVID-19.

Dr. Sawsan Salih, from Sudan, provided essential medical care throughout the pandemic as a doctor in Ras Al Khaimah, despite experiencing great personal loss within her own family.

First Sergeant Mohammed Al Salloom led the medical services section of the Support Services Department of Ras Al Khaimah Police. He worked with skill and care to protect police officers and members of the public from the dangers of COVID-19.

Established under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Frontline Heroes Office recognises and supports the UAE’s frontline workers in the long term.

His Highness posted a glimpse of the spectacular show on his official Twitter handle.

The touching tribute also showcased imagery of several other frontline heroes from across the UAE, including Ahmed Salah Meligy, a volunteer at a quarantine hotel in Sharjah, who worked tirelessly to support those who have contracted the virus.

Bruno Mulindwa, from Uganda, worked as a security guard at Al Nahwa Health Centre in Sharjah, and went the extra mile to stay protected so as to protect others at the clinic.

Dr. David Simon, from Hungary, a Critical Care Consultant and Head of ICU at Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital, demonstrated empathy in the midst of the pandemic after contracting the virus himself.

Dr. Reem Mohammed Fakhri, a dentist from Syria, decided to step up and join the nasal swab team, while Engineer Mohammed Rashid Al Dhanhani, worked round the clock to help protect the UAE during the crisis.

Mosharraf Hussain Shaid from Bangladesh skipped his second child's birth to be part of the team that disinfected all of Dubai. 

Yasser Hussain Al Ramadan, a paramedic from Syria, was the first in the line of defence despite being close to retirement age.

Matar Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center and Director of the Emergency and Disaster Management Division, mobilised a huge part of the UAE’s response to the pandemic and worked remotely even when he was in isolation after contracting the virus.

Colonel / Clinical Scientist Thuraya Ali Al Hashemi, Director of the Medical Services Department at Abu Dhabi Police, led the fight across all Abu Dhabi Police’s facilities despite contracting the virus herself.

Colonel Mohammed Al Khoury, Deputy of the Capital Police Department, coordinated Abu Dhabi’s fast-paced response to keeping the public safe.

These frontline heroes, and thousands of others in all seven emirates, embody certain values that are held dear to the UAE and provide inspiration to one and all.