The coronavirus has infected more than 1.8 million people, and claimed over 100,000 lives. As the pandemic rages and much of the world continues to remain in some form of lockdown, there has been an ongoing debate about the ensuing economic impact on the global economy. Millions are at risk of losing out on their employment, and GDP growth is set to roll back to levels unseen in many decades.
While the plight of the world’s poorest has received considerable attention in the media and among activists, it remains a major challenge. According to a recent report by the charity Oxfam, as many as half a billion people around the world could become poor as a result, including 44 million here in the Middle East.
The figures are alarming. They further highlight the need for the world to protect those in extreme poverty – not only from the Covid-19 disease, but also from its devastating consequences on their livelihoods. Many of the world’s poor rely on daily wages to make ends meet and cannot afford to remain in their homes during lockdowns. Providing them with aid is crucial to stopping the spread of the virus and saving them from deeper levels of destitution.
Countries across Asia, Africa, Europe and North America have rolled out impressive stimulus packages and expanded the size of their social safety nets. The UAE has put forth a $34 billion stimulus package to keep the economy afloat and save jobs. Abu Dhabi has also rolled out the 'Together We Are Good' drive, a multi-million-dirham fund that aims to help those in need during this time.
But there remain large pockets of the planet that lack the resources to do the same. And where poverty rages, the coronavirus will rage, too.
Wealthy nations must continue to look after their own populations – including their more impoverished citizens – while also maintaining their long-standing commitments to the well-established practice of contributing international aid. In co-ordination with the World Health Organisation, the UAE has sent nearly 200 tonnes of aid to support 150,000 medical professionals around the world, including in Italy and Iran, which have been hit hard by the outbreak. The UK, meanwhile, has pledged more than $260 million to support the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi), which is racing to find a coronavirus vaccine.
One part of the world cannot heal if another is left behind
Even with these important pledges, foreign aid falls short of the needs of the world’s poorest nations. According to the Sudanese health minister, Sudan alone needs $120 million in additional resources to spare its citizens the most devastating effects of the pandemic. The country is struggling to cope with a pre-existing financial crisis.
Oxfam has called on world leaders to form an economic relief package dedicated to impoverished countries and communities. The value of such a package would be “at least $1 trillion”. It has also called for the cancellation of $1 trillion worth of debt payments for developing countries in 2020.
Global, co-ordinated action is needed to extend social safety nets to the nations that do not have the means to carry out an adequate response to the pandemic. One part of the world cannot heal if another is left behind.
What are the influencer academy modules?
Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
Cinematography, shots and movement.
All aspects of post-production.
Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
Tourism industry knowledge.
Professional ethics.
The distance learning plan
Spring break will be from March 8 - 19
Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm
Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19
Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning
Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
TOP 5 DRIVERS 2019
1 Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 10 wins 387 points
2 Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 4 wins, 314 points
3 Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 3 wins, 260 points
4 Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 2 wins, 249 points
5 Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 1 win, 230 points
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
Countries offering golden visas
UK Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Squads
Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Babar Azam (vc), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz
71kg – Shaker Al Tekreeti (IRQ) beat Fawzi Baltagi (LBN) 30-27; Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Man Kongsib (THA) 29-28
81kg – Ilyass Hbibali (UAE) beat Alexandr Tsarikov (KAZ) 29-28; Khaled Tarraf (LBN) beat Mustafa Al Tekreeti (IRQ) 30-27
86kg – Ali Takaloo (IRI) beat Mohammed Al Qahtani (KSA) RSC round 1; Emil Umayev (KAZ) beat Ahmad Bahman (UAE) TKO round
England World Cup squad
Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wkt), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
