A leading figure in the UAE's fight against Covid-19 said a surge in infection rates in recent days was expected and plans were in place to stem the spread of the virus.
Obaid Al Shamsi, director general of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema), said lessons had been learnt from previous pandemics as decision-makers continued their efforts to protect the public.
Authorities would initially seek to contain the spread of the virus in localised hotspots, such as a building or a particular community, before considering wider restrictions, such as closing shops and malls and a return to the national disinfection programme.
"The spread, through a point such as an area or building, will be isolated and quarantined and the sterilisation will take place in that area," Mr Al Shamsi said in televised comments.
We expected it and we expect even more cases, and strategies have been put in place
He said if there were a significant outbreak there could be a return to the disinfection programme, which saw residents unable to leave their homes at night while streets were extensively cleaned.
At the end of March, the busy Dubai community of Al Ras, home to the Gold Souq, was sealed off for two weeks because of concerns over a potential rise in infection rates.
Mr Al Shamsi urged residents to play their part in stemming the spread of the virus or risk a second wave of rising infections.
"We need to be aware that the UAE strategy is a balance between the health sector and the economy," he said.
"People think that by opening the economy, the pandemic is over. It is not over. And if we neglect it, then we will face a second wave."
The number of Covid-19 cases across the Emirates rose from 210 last Sunday to 461 only four days later, prompting officials and medics to urge the public to act more responsibly.
"Yes, we expected it and we expect even more cases, and strategies have been put in place," Mr Al Shamsi said.
"We look at history like the Spanish flu. Opening and easing movement and opening the economy doesn’t mean being less cautious.
"We continue to monitor. We have tied previous history with the modern day. We studied herd immunity and see the best international practices and we see international figures.
"We are prepared for the worst and the unexpected."
He said human nature made it difficult for many people to abide by social-distancing measures and avoid large gatherings, particularly during festivals when families and friends traditionally come together.
"The last spread was during Eid," Mr Al Shamsi said.
"We warned to not visit and to use other means of contact, but our culture of visiting caused us not to adhere to it.
"We don’t say don’t visit your loved ones, but not during this situation."
Mr Al Shamsi, however, praised the overall response of the public during trying times and highlighted the achievements of the country during a public health crisis that has gripped the globe.
"We are all partners in protecting our community," he said. "Follow all of the procedures. We will not give up on protecting you."
Mr Al Shamsi said the UAE was an example to other nations on how to battle the pandemic.
"The UAE is an international model for its management of the pandemic," he said.
"We launched the Hope Probe during this pandemic. We opened Barakah. We signed a peace deal with Israel in spite of the pandemic.
"We showed through this pandemic national resolve. Our strategy of dealing with this crisis should be taught.
"Hotels have been used for quarantine and field hospitals have been set up.
"This is an international model that no one but the UAE has done. This is a pioneering system and an international model."
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Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
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Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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British group
Coldplay
Foals
Bring me the Horizon
D-Block Europe
Bastille
British Female
Mabel
Freya Ridings
FKA Twigs
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British male
Harry Styles
Lewis Capaldi
Dave
Michael Kiwanuka
Stormzy
Best new artist
Aitch
Lewis Capaldi
Dave
Mabel
Sam Fender
Best song
Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber - I Don’t Care
Mabel - Don’t Call Me Up
Calvin Harrison and Rag’n’Bone Man - Giant
Dave - Location
Mark Ronson feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart
AJ Tracey - Ladbroke Grove
Lewis Capaldi - Someone you Loved
Tom Walker - Just You and I
Sam Smith and Normani - Dancing with a Stranger
Stormzy - Vossi Bop
International female
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Camila Cabello
Lana Del Rey
Lizzo
International male
Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Tyler, The Creator
Dermot Kennedy
Post Malone
Best album
Stormzy - Heavy is the Head
Michael Kiwanuka - Kiwanuka
Lewis Capaldi - Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent
Dave - Psychodrama
Harry Styles - Fine Line
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- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Zakat: an Arabic word meaning ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’.
Nisab: the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to pay zakat. Traditionally, the nisab threshold was 87.48 grams of gold, or 612.36 grams of silver. The monetary value of the nisab therefore varies by current prices and currencies.
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LEAGUE CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
Stoke City v Tottenham
Brentford v Newcastle United
Arsenal v Manchester City
Everton v Manchester United
All ties are to be played the week commencing December 21.
