Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), underlined that the UAE has emerged as one of the most efficient countries in handling the COVID-19 pandemic for the second year in a row. UAE's proactive response has helped in containing the spread of the virus at both local and international levels.

This statement has come on the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Day, which falls on the 19th of Ramadan every year. In the statement, Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that the state's quick response to tackling the repercussions of the pandemic demonstrated that it has effective and practical solutions to handle emergency crises. The UAE has a great capacity to confront health, humanitarian, and other developments, with the help of its proactive strategies and initiatives. These strategies are developed by the UAE leadership within a comprehensive vision to enhance response to emergency crises, protect community members and provide necessary care to all Emirate citizens and residents during unprecedented circumstances and conditions.

Sheikh Hamdan stressed the UAE's role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic was not limited to the domestic front, but went beyond its borders. The UAE undertook necessary measures at the very early stage of its duty to assist countries across the world in combating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the UAE has strengthened its humanitarian response towards various countries in the world. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the UAE has provided essential medical aid and preventive supplies to dozens of countries, benefiting hundreds of thousands of medical personnel working at the frontlines to combat the pandemic. The UAE is currently making efforts to provide COVID-19 vaccines to countries that do not have enough capabilities to secure them in order to save the lives of people exposed to the pandemic amid the emergence of new virus strains.

"These achievements made by the UAE in this regard are a natural result of cumulative experiences in humanitarian and voluntary work and a long journey of giving and generosity," he noted.

Sheikh Hamdan underlined that the foundations of these values were laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. These foundations are further strengthened under the wise leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and are pacing ahead with the support and guidance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Forces Armed.'

Sheikh Hamdan asserted Sheikh Zayed provided countless virtues to enhance the crucial humanitarian field in the UAE. He added that Sheikh Zayed devoted his time to fulfill the needs of the less-privileged section of society by harnessing the state’s capabilities to support their humanitarian requirements.

"Sheikh Zayed took a unique approach in supporting the causes of people and alleviating their suffering caused by conflicts, disasters and unrest that claimed the lives of millions," Sheikh Hamdan stressed.

In conclusion, Sheikh Hamdan expressed gratitude towards Sheikh Zayed's efforts and generous initiatives that have helped the UAE in occupying a remarkable position in the fields of charitable and humanitarian work in the region and world.

WAM