Unity is key to a healthy and thriving community. Each of us has a part to play to ensure a cohesive and tolerant society that offers support to all of its members. But this goes beyond the individual; both public and private sector organisations have an important responsibility towards society, particularly during times of uncertainty. Tasked with safeguarding communities’ social ecosystems, they must aid in fostering solidarity and compassion while maintaining calm, and propagating optimism, which is crucial to boosting the morale of a public facing unprecedented circumstances.
A health worker takes swab sample at a coronavirus drive-through screening centre in Abu Dhabi.
A health worker collects a swab sample.
A health worker wearing protective clothing administers a swab test.
A woman undergoes a nasal swab.
A health worker checks a man's temperature before conducting a coronavirus test at a drive-through testing centre.
A nurse measures the body temperature of a small girl.
A nurse collects a swab sample at the drive-through centre.
A man has his temperature checked.
A nurse administers a swab test.
A technician takes a nasal swab.
Cars line up as people wait to enter the drive-through testing centre.
Today, we are facing a global health crisis that has affected all aspects of life. Covid-19 has indeed changed the world as we know it, but it is a challenge that we will surmount no matter how long it lasts. The key to overcoming it is a unified effort from both individuals and institutions. Working together to limit the impact of this disease will accelerate our recovery and eventually allow us to resume normal life.
Time and time again, the UAE has proved its readiness to face crises and their adverse effects head-on. The World Health Organisation has, in fact, ranked the UAE number one globally in the prevention of the spread of Covid-19, thanks to our wise leadership’s prompt response and implementation of strict precautionary measures. Moreover, the UAE community has risen to the challenge by strongly adhering to these measures, which include the Stay at Home initiative, guidelines for social distancing, and instructions to stay indoors during times allocated for the National Sterilisation Programme.
Covid-19 has changed the world as we know it, but we will surmount the challenge, no matter how long it lasts
Particularly praiseworthy are the extraordinary efforts of the UAE’s medical and healthcare staff. They have diligently worked around the clock to help contain the Covid-19 outbreak, and their heroism has contributed significantly to limiting the number of cases in the country. We could not be more grateful for their skills and sacrifices, as they bravely stand at the frontlines of the battle with the virus, risking their own safety for the well-being of our community.
A berry picker at the UAE’s first raspberry and blackberry model farm in full sanitary uniform. Victor Besa for The National
That well-being is also safeguarded by the collaboration between the teams from the public security, civil and service entities, to whom we also owe our gratitude. Additionally, essential staff in restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, delivery workers, and those carrying out cleaning and sterilisation across the emirate must be commended for helping to keep society functioning during this difficult time. And finally, we thank all those who are working from home; this small act is a crucial step in dampening the spread of this global pandemic.
The measures taken by the UAE are bold, but they reflect the wisdom and unwavering commitment of our leadership to protect its greatest asset – its people – at all times. This social contract is seen across Emirati society, which is characterised by unity and tolerance towards others. Our cultural pillars are the legacy of our ancestors, who adapted to survive the harshest of circumstances thanks to co-operation and strong social bonds. Due to this longstanding commitment to the greater good, in the present circumstances we are proud to see community members demonstrating their support and abiding by all the measures introduced to combat the outbreak.
Part of keeping the community safe and well is ensuring economic security. Abu Dhabi’s leadership has taken the necessary steps to support those who have been adversely affected financially by the current circumstances. Key is the economic stimulus programme launched by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to accelerate the implementation of key economic initiatives under the Ghadan 21 programme. There have also been reductions in living costs and measures to facilitate business activity within the emirate. These incentives will help to mitigate economic damage and eventually contribute to accelerating growth, the fruits of which we will see once we emerge even stronger from this crisis.
In March, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, reassured UAE residents and citizens that there will be adequate supplies of medicine and food available during the coronavirus outbreak. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter account
The Department of Culture and Tourism is appreciative of the co-operation we have received from our partners, particularly hotel establishments, tourism facilities and event organisers. While their businesses have been affected by the crisis, we are working closely with their management to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors. Our inspectors are liaising with all partners to ensure strict implementation of the necessary precautionary measures. I would like to commend the efforts of our inspectors and thank them for all their strenuous field work at this critical time.
It is when facing such challenging circumstances that we most need to stand united. We will beat this pandemic by standing together and committing to following the directives of our wise leaders. Each one of us is responsible for protecting the health of others, and our sacrifices during this crucial period will help to ensure our own safety and that of our community. We must contain the spread of the virus by staying home as much as possible, and complying with social distancing in its various forms. Equally as important, we must remain positive. Although it may seem difficult at the moment, being optimistic is key. As long as we support one another, safeguard our bonds and help those who are suffering the adverse effects of these sudden changes in our lives, we will triumph.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak is Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Would I ever find you again
You, the heaven of my love, my yearning and madness;
You, the kiss to my soul, my cheer and
sadness?
Would your lights ever break the night of my eyes again?
Would I ever find you again?
This world is volume and you're the notion,
This world is night and you're the lifetime,
This world is eyes and you're the vision,
This world is sky and you're the moon time,
Have mercy on the heart that belongs to you.
Lyrics: Al Hadi Adam; Composer: Mohammed Abdel Wahab
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
Friday, September 29
First practice: 7am - 8.30am
Second practice: 11am - 12.30pm
Saturday, September 30
Qualifying: 1pm - 2pm
Sunday, October 1
Race: 11am - 1pm
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
Drivers’ championship standings after Singapore:
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 263
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari - 235
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 212
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull - 162
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari - 138
6. Sergio Perez, Force India - 68
Day 4, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Not much was expected – on Sunday or ever – of Hasan Ali as a batsman. And yet he lit up the late overs of the Pakistan innings with a happy cameo of 29 from 25 balls. The highlight was when he launched a six right on top of the netting above the Pakistan players’ viewing area. He was out next ball.
Stat of the day – 1,358 There were 1,358 days between Haris Sohail’s previous first-class match and his Test debut for Pakistan. The lack of practice in the multi-day format did not show, though, as the left-hander made an assured half-century to guide his side through a potentially damaging collapse.
The verdict As is the fashion of Test matches in this country, the draw feels like a dead-cert, before a clatter of wickets on the fourth afternoon puts either side on red alert. With Yasir Shah finding prodigious turn now, Pakistan will be confident of bowling Sri Lanka out. Whether they have enough time to do so and chase the runs required remains to be seen.
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tuesday
Mairobr v Liverpool
Spartak Moscow v Sevilla
Feyenoord v Shakhtar Donetsk
Manchester City v Napoli
Monaco v Besiktas
RB Leipzig v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur
Wednesday
Benfica v Manchester United
CSKA Moscow v Basel
Bayern Munich v Celtic
Anderlecht v Paris Saint-Germain
Qarabag v Atletico Madrid
Chelsea v Roma
Barcelona v Olympiakos
Juventus v Sporting Lisbon
