UAE is showing the way in this time of crisis

The world today is united by a single goal of defeating Covid-19 and protecting the health of both the citizens and residents. No one is immune to this viral infection that has spread to over 185 countries across the world and is causing massive disruption to our lives.
Coronavirus is testing the resilience of countries. It has put to tests the capacity of health and security systems. The pandemic is assessing the effectiveness of leadership, evaluating the strength of societies, their level of awareness and adherence with the directives of the governments.
It is no surprise to see the UAE is going above and beyond this test. It has stepped its efforts in the battle against Covid-19 not just in the emirates but has been helping other countries too.
The UAE has sent medical and food supplies to many countries in need, ignoring any political differences or disputes. We are all together in this crisis and the UAE's approach has proven just that.
Moreover, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has been reaching out to all, locally and abroad.
He has intensified contacts with the world leaders to support countries in need. Health of people is above anything else, and that has been made amply clear by the efforts of the government.
Under his leadership, the UAE has been pushed to the forefront of the world's best countries in fighting the coronavirus and today the UAE has recorded one of the lowest mortality rates. The country has done over one million tests and continues to do more in its drive to limit the spread of the virus. Comparatively, Italy's mortality rate stands at 11 per cent while Germany managed to contain it at one per cent.
The UAE has also been among handful of countries that have conducted the highest number of coronavirus tests. Work is now underway to open tens of sophisticated testing centres across the country to test more than 8,500 people every day.
This pandemic has indeed shown the true meaning of coexistence and loyalty to the country. It was so heartening to see how Emiratis and expats were rushing to volunteer as soon as the government opened the doors for volunteering. Some of helped with their expertise, some offered their invaluable time and some made monetary contributions. Whatever the way, it is surely an expression of loyalty, love, and desire to return favour to the UAE.
Despite the lockdown in most of the counties globally, the UAE has facilitated the return of expats to their homeland. And it has done so in a responsible manner. People wishing to leave had to undergo tests before taking a flight to their country. Only the ones who were tested negative were allowed to board the flight.
This why the UAE is a beacon of hope, attracting the attention of the world, where more than 75,000 Americans have preferred to stay in the UAE over going back to their home country, as stated by their ambassadors.
Loudly and proudly, our country is leading by example in dealing the deadly disease. -malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com