Coronavirus: Sheikh Mohammed says Covid-19 highlights need for world to unite

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the rise of Covid-19 has highlighted the crucial need for the world to come together to overcome adversity.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai cautioned that no nation can stand alone in the face of the wide-ranging challenges prompted by the pandemic.

During his speech at a meeting to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, he said the global health crisis has demonstrated that international co-operation "is a must".

The UAE has worked side by side with other countries in recent months to provide key investment to those parts of the world hit hardest by the pandemic, develop air-corridor strategies to open up global travel and to press ahead with trials on a Covid-19 vaccination.

The UAE hosted a Phase-3 trial for a Chinese vaccine which involved 31,000 volunteers in the Emirates, Bahrain and Jordan.

The vaccine has since been administered to frontline medical workers, senior officials and some members of the Cabinet, after it received approval from the UAE Government in September for limited use.

Sheikh Mohammed himself received China's Sinopharm vaccine.

"All nations and peoples realise that true strength and real prosperity comes via co-operation and coordination," said Sheikh Mohammed.

"Our strength lies in our diversity and our solidarity.

"We believe that there is no future for anyone without co-operating with the other, and that no nation can isolate itself from the rest of the world.

"This crisis has shown that our destiny is one and our co-operation is a must."

Sheikh Mohammed looked forward to Expo 2020 Dubai, which was delayed by one year due to Covid-19.

He pledged that  "Dubai and the UAE will dazzle the world" when the Middle East hosts the international event for the first time.

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE is striving to make continued progress in a range of fields, from empowering women and combatting climate change to encouraging sustainable development.