Editor-in-Chief of the Emarat Al Youm newspaper, Sami Al Reyami, has expressed confidence in official communication as the most effective medium to deliver relevant data and information to the public.

Addressing a recent event, he hailed the confidence and support shown by nationals and residents in federal entities and procedures introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19 that helped the UAE in successfully handling the pandemic crisis. Al Reyam also underlined that the stability witnessed during the National Disinfection Programme across the country showcased public confidence in the UAE government and its strategies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

"While fear and panic were rampant worldwide, just two simple words – ‘don’t worry’ – from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, quelled the fears of people in the UAE," Al Reyami said.

He explained that the UAE undertook a direct and indirect approach to combat false information epidemic or 'infodemic' as part of efforts against COVID-19. Statements and communications from UAE leaders as well as messages posted on official social media handles helped in dispelling wrong information and conveying facts and right directions needed to be followed by the public to support the national efforts.

"The bigger crisis we faced was the false information epidemic of people spreading misinformation without the need for backing it up with true and authentic facts. The virus itself is less dangerous than the wrong information surrounding it," he added.

WAM