A team of volunteers from the Dubai Government is playing a crucial role in assisting families of people who have died of COVID-19. In order to alleviate suffering and provide relief to families of those who lost their loved ones to the disease, the Dubai Government volunteers are working continuously to accelerate the procedures needed to be followed after a COVID-19 death.

They are coordinating with local and federal authorities to ensure that all post-mortality protocols are strictly followed in order to reduce the burden on the family of the COVID-19 victim during a time of mourning.

Significantly, the team of volunteers was instituted at the early onset of the pandemic in the emirate. It was formed at the recommendation of Dubai’s COVID-19 Command and Control Centre. The team consists of volunteers from Dubai Police, Dubai Courts, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Dubai Public Prosecution. It is headed by Ahmed Huraimel, the advisor for the 'Dubai The Model Centre' initiative of the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The team of volunteers is showing an exemplary example of the deep humanitarian and inclusive spirit of the UAE and its leadership given which the Dubai Government launched several initiatives to help and support the needs of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the aftermath of an unfortunate event of a COVID-19 death, the volunteer team contacts the family members of the deceased individual and assured them full support and assistance. The volunteers have shown a remarkable example of practicing tolerance and inclusiveness by providing moral and financial support to families from all faiths and cultures to expedite procedures related to the funeral.

The volunteer team is guided by Dubai’s COVID-19 Command and Control Centre along with the support of several federal and local government institutions such as the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Roads and Transport Authority, Community Development Authority and the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department.

With assistance from these entities, the volunteer team has started several COVID-19-related humanitarian initiatives in accordance with the innovative service approach developed by the City Makers of the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing the experience of shared government services.

Ahmed Huraimel lauded the team's mission, saying that he considers his participation in the volunteer team as part of his national duty. He hailed the UAE leadership that has taught the community members the significance of helping those in need. Ahmed Huraimel further explained that the team's mission is to ensure protection, dignity, and respect for the deceased and their families regardless of their culture or faith. The team helps the families expedite funeral procedures in accordance with approved protocols.

"The team is composed of remarkably committed volunteers who are determined to demonstrate the humanitarian values of the UAE through initiatives on the ground," Ahmed Huraimel added.

He noted the team's efforts are aimed at boosting Dubai’s position in the global community as a city and society accelerating its commitment to humanitarian and inclusive values.

Since its formation, the volunteer team has made exceptional contributions to support the families of COVID-19 victims. It has collaborated with Dubai Municipality to train and qualify people to deal with deceased females and provide safety training for non-Muslims.

The team has worked in collaboration with the Red Crescent Authority in Dubai and other charitable societies to carry out food distribution drives in the emirate during pandemic lockdown and restrictions.

Recently, the team entirely managed the funeral of a woman who died from COVID-19 in a private hospital in Dubai after her family’s request. In another incident, the team fulfilled a request of the son of a deceased man to send him a photo of his father’s grave.

WAM