On the occasion of 49th UAE National Day, the Frontline Heroes Office has recognised the frontline workers who have devoted their lives to the health and welfare of the community. The Frontline Heroes Office was established under the guidance and chairmanship of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces with the aim of supporting the UAE’s frontline workers in the long term.

In this regard, the organising committee of the Official 49th UAE National Day Celebration expressed their sincere gratitude to the Frontline Heroes Office for their crucial support and efforts in highlighting the essential role played by the country's frontline professionals during the "Seeds of the Union" show.

The show is aimed at paying special tribute to thousands of professionals such as healthcare workers, emergency staff and service provides, who have been working at the forefront of the national fight against COVID-19 in recent months.

The committee affirmed that this year, the country is admiring the frontline heroes whose courage and embodiment of national values have inspired everyone and ensured their health and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic circumstances.

During the ‘Seeds of the Union’ show, stories of seven people were told who represented infinite examples of selflessness, bravery, heroism and sacrifice, and heroism that the UAE witnessed this year in the fight against COVID-19.

Among those seven people is Amal Badr Al Bussaidi, who lives in Abu Dhabi. Al Bussaidi is the Head of the Technical Support Unit at the UAE Red Crescent who worked continuously for over six months at the Ghantout COVID-19 quarantine facility.

Iris Ena Diel from the Philippines works as a nurse at the Sharjah Expo Field Hospital. She provided the necessary support and care to innumerable COVID-19 patients at the field hospital. Speaking about her journey, she asserted that the one thing that got her and her colleagues through the long and tiring days at the hospital was the robust sense of camaraderie that the healthcare professionals built among them.

Ajman-based medical student Esraa Al Agha volunteered at various medical facilities including the Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, quarantine hotels, and various other capacities, in a bid to support the efforts of other healthcare professionals. He served as a trusted liaison to patients’ families and carried at COVID-19 tests in challenging circumstances.

Pakistan-based Habib Saifulmalook displayed exemplary work ethics while working as an ambulance driver in Sharjah during the pandemic crisis. He transported patients, medical staff and essential supplies around the emirate responsibly and reliably.

Captain Mayed Ali Alameeri, Deputy Harbour Master at the Port of Fujairah and Member of the Executive Committee of Local Crisis and Emergency Management in Fujairah worked at the center of planning and execution of pandemic responses of the port.

Dr. Sawsan Salih from Sudan supplied essential medical care as a doctor in Ras Al Khaimah throughout the pandemic crisis. Dr Salih performed his responsibilities despite facing great personal loss within her own family.

First Sergeant Mohammed Al Salloom has been leading the medical services section of the Support Services Department of Ras Al Khaimah Police. During the pandemic, he performed his job with skill and care in a bid to protect the health and safety of police officers and members of the public from the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the tribute, images of several other frontline heroes from across the UAE were also showcased including, Ahmed Salah Meligy who volunteered at a quarantine hotel in Sharjah. He has expressed pride in supporting the national efforts aimed at combatting the pandemic crisis as he worked tirelessly to assist those who contracted the virus.

Bruno Mulindwa, who is a security guard at Al Nahwa Health Centre in Sharjah, moved to the UAE from Uganda in search of a better life for himself and his family. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the nation, he ensured care and protection to ensure health and safety of the people at the clinic.

Dr. David Simon works as a Critical Care Consultant and Head of ICU at Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital. Hailing from Hungary, Dr Simon showcased empathy amid the pandemic after contracting the virus himself.

A dentist from Syria, Dr. Reem Mohammed Fakhri, has regarded the UAE as her second home. When the pandemic crisis hit the nation, she mobilised her efforts and quickly joined the nasal swab team to test people in the country.

At the beginning of his career, Engineer Mohammed Rashid Al Dhanhani was catapulted at the centre of the crisis. Living a simple life before the pandemic, Al Dhanhani had to work around the clock after the crisis. As an Emirati, he was able to witness the transformation of the UAE after the crisis that has given him huge fulfilment.

Hailing from Bangladesh, Mosharraf Hussain Shaid was a part of the team that carried out the disinfection drive across Dubai. He participated in the UAE's fight against the Coronavirus pandemic and building a new future for his family, despite missing the birth of his second daughter.

54-year-old Syria paramedic Yasser Hussain Al Ramadan was at the forefront of UAE's fight against COVID-19. Even as his retirement age was nearing, the thought of quitting never crossed his mind.

Matar Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center and Director of the Emergency and Disaster Management Division, also carried out a significant part of the UAE's response to the pandemic. Even as he contracted the disease, he continued to perform his responsibilities from a hospital bed when he was in medical isolation for 20 days.

Colonel / Clinical Scientist Thuraya Ali Al Hashemi who serves as the Director of the Medical Services Department at Abu Dhabi Police, led the COVID-19 fight across all facilities of the Abu Dhabi Police. While she also contracted the virus in the line of duty, she was not deterred to help in the national efforts to contain the virus.

Deputy of the Capital Police Department Colonel Mohammed Al Khoury coordinated Abu Dhabi’s fast-paced response aimed at keeping the public safe from the pandemic.

These names are among the thousands of frontline heroes across all seven emirates who embody certain values that are valuable to the UAE and served as an inspiration for everyone. These values are the central theme of the UAE's National Day celebration show that will forever guide the nation in every moment of need.

WAM