100 days of Covid-19: Residents revisit the past with optimism

As we introspect the past 100 days, residents are grateful and proud of the UAE govt's dedication to safeguarding its people on a war footing.

By Nandini Sircar

Published: Wed 8 Apr 2020, 2:52 PM

Last updated: Thu 9 Apr 2020, 7:50 PM

Today marks the 100 days since the World Health Organisation (WHO) received the first report of an unknown illness affecting a number of people falling ill in Wuhan, China. A disease that's spread to nearly every country on the planet, as life almost came to a pause.
Most people alive today have not experienced a crisis so large, so worldwide, so scary, in our lifetime.
As the world buckled under the virus, governments have shown its readiness to improvise on how to deal with the health related issues, from arresting the community transmission of the virus, to finding effective care and cure for the disease.
As we introspect the past 100 days, residents are grateful and proud of the UAE government's passion, dedication and resilience with which they are engaged in safeguarding its people on a war footing.

Related coverage:
100 days of Covid-19: The proactive steps UAE has taken so far
100 days of Covid-19: When UAE reported its first case
100 days of Covid-19: 1.4m infected, over 81,000 dead

While we understand that tragically there are many lives being lost across the world, but without making matters light, scholars see the possibility of a "positive peace", following the pandemic.

'100 messages of hope' as the world marks 100 days of coronavirus.

Hope begins in the dark; share with us, your message of hope in a short video, tagging #khaleejtimes, with your name and nationality, and get featured on our social media platforms. https://t.co/tqoPLxi9iC
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) April 8, 2020

To respond to the unimaginable conditions of this virus, people have made synchronised efforts, reduced response times, and provided faster and more efficient relief to those hardest hit. That has been critical to avoid a breakdown in peace processes, or to allow problems unmitigated to fester and spawn new crises.
Reaching out to residents in the UAE today, who reiterated that this country is a true global hub of humanity, here's how they shared their thoughts:

Nayla Al Khaja, Emirati filmmaker and producer:

"In times like these, it's easy to panic and feel unrest, but with our caring and vigilant government we are in the best care system possible, which leaves me as an artist to really delve and practice my art form at home, when we have less access to resources we are pushed to be even more creative. It's times like these where art will reach new heights and once this is over, the amount of beautiful work captured will be a testament to the unification of our world. "
"Please use this time to do all the things you always said you wanted to do. Time is a treasure. Let's grow so when this is over we will reflect back and truly see what we were truly capable of."

Meryem Haddadi:

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the UAE government for everything it has done to ensure the safety and wellbeing for myself and my family."

"These troubling times have been very concerning, but there is a growing sense of comfort, ease and confidence in our government's transparency and measures undertaken, and all the online initiatives it has implemented to ensure that our lives and our children's education can continue."

Mousa Nimer, PR Professional:

"Looking back 100 days to when it all began, the world as we know it has changed in ways most of us couldn't anticipate. With this change came fear, anxiety and doubt, but also with this change came love, care, unity, compassion and the appreciation of one's wellbeing and that of others."

Michael Cinco, Dubai-based Fashion Designer:

"In the most trying times of our life, we see our front liners serving without question, people around helping and contributing in any way they can, loved ones staying at home being with families reassuring one another- expressions of concern and love. These are glimmers of hope, giving us glimpses of wonderful expectations beyond the horizon for more enriched tomorrows."

Nikhil Uzgare: Dubai-based Musician/ Entrepreneur:

"Your money or your social status means nothing to the virus. This is a wake up call to every single one of us to introspect and learn to live with the basics. These are tough times but they have taught us what years of education cannot. There is hope and there is a future. We just have to re-invent it in the right way."

Sajeev Purushothaman:

"We are hopeful and see the light at the end of the tunnel , we are really proud and blessed to have our great leaderships and quality healthcare in our residing country UAE and home country India. No need to panic, only an extra measure of safety, and stay at home."

Ajay Chaturvedi, Healthcare Provider:

"We always remain confident and optimistic to handle any emergencies with positive outcome. We will fight and win over Covid-19."

Biju George:

"The best thing we can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine but just breathe and have faith. The best view comes after the hardest climb. Every day has a new beginning, new blessings and new hope. Stay Positive! Stay strong! Stay safe!"

Nada Abou Matar, Lebanese Interior Architect and Professional Skydiver:

"Today is not for crying it's for hoping. In this difficult time let us only stay at home with our family and count this as a chance to plan and think for the future. Let's play, draw, dance, sing and laugh as maybe one day we will see these times as a treasure. Let us not forget the needy and vulnerable people if you can transfer this hope for real to them."

Rohini Ceaser, Homemaker"

"During the last 100 days, I've experienced what family truly is. This time has allowed me to learn more about myself, my spouse and my children. Even though there is a lot of work to do and no escaping, we have gotten so much closer as a family. I hope everyone has a chance to gain a better understanding of themselves and the closest people around them. Let us come out of this better people to ourselves and to others."