Sheikh Mohammed lauds UAE's fight against COVID-19

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE’s fight against the pandemic has particularly been a story of strength, fortitude and endurance.

His remarks came in the foreword of the Emirates Group's Annual Report - 2020-2021 where he described the pandemic as "one of the biggest challenges humanity has faced in its known history".

What has been truly remarkable, Sheikh Mohammed continued, is the way "the UAE has proved to be one of the best-prepared countries to deal with the pandemic". 

His Highness highlighted how the country has "effectively safeguarded the health and wellbeing of citizens and residents" and also "weathered the economic impact of the crisis".

Consistent with this spirit, the Dubai government also placed a high priority on extending support measures to businesses to ensure the short-term impact of the pandemic does not translate into long-term challenges, he added.

"Going ahead, we continue to remain committed to helping all sectors in recovering on a solid footing. Amidst the pandemic, our model for finding solutions to challenges has been marked by cooperation, humanitarian values and rapid action. The response of Dubai’s aviation and logistics industry leaders to the disruption caused by COVID-19 is a key example of our nation’s ability to rise to the challenge in these testing times.

"Working unitedly, they have been quick to use their global capabilities not only to facilitate the rapid distribution of vaccines in the country but also send relief and humanitarian aid to developing nations."

Sheikh Mohammed also shed light on the nation's Golden Jubilee and the impressive milestones achieved recently: "The UAE will mark 50 years of nationhood in December 2021. Growing from a modest regional trading post to a nation that sent the Arab world’s first space mission to Mars, the UAE’s development has been truly extraordinary. I look forward to our country achieving greater successes and accelerating our progress on the ambitious path set by our founding leaders. Their vision to drive human advancement and create a better world for future generations continues to inspire us."