This past week in an effort to show support to frontline healthcare workers who confront the realities of the coronavirus pandemic, a number of buildings light up in blue in the United Arab Emirates. Blue isn’t always the colour of sadness. Sometimes, it’s one of solidarity, humanity and togetherness. On Monday, well-known landmarks lit up in the UAE, as for the Clymb, where you can try indoor skydiving. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi also turned blue. The twitter handle had captioned this image: “Thrills of the Red light up blue at #FerrariWorldAD to show our appreciation for the frontline heroes!”. Similarly, waves of blue lit up water park Yas World.

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), has sent motivational message of thanks and gratitude to all doctors working in the UAE, expressing her heartfelt appreciation of the remarkable and heroic role they are playing as the country’s first line of defence against the COVID-19 pandemic. “I extend you my sincere thanks and appreciation for the sincere efforts you’re making to protect COVID-19 patients. Our hearts stay with you all, as you’re wholeheartedly responding to the call of duty in such a time of distress. God bless you all and keep you a cherished asset for your homeland”. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak wrote to health workers on their phones.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on occasion of the World Health Day, on April 7, also sent a message of thanks and appreciation to healthcare professionals for their selfless commitment and brave efforts to continue to fight against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. To commend the dedication and heroic efforts of medical professionals and healthcare workers worldwide who risk their lives to ensure the safety of others, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan remarked: “On World Health Day, I salute those who dedicate their lives to this profession. While medicines may treat, it is their support and care that give us the hope for a healthier tomorrow. Let us recognize the brave medical staff globally who are leading the fight against COVID-19”.

The leadership, authorities and the whole Emirati community have shown responsibility and appreciation for the work done by medical and paramedical staff in hospitals. Several hotels and one school across Abu Dhabi have contributed 1,030 rooms to Ma’an’s “Together We Are Good” programme to accommodate doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals and support staff working on the frontline.

Ma’an is also funding part of the stays through the financial contributions people have made to the ‘Together We Are Good’ programme. All properties are offering rooms as in-kind contributions for medical personnel and support staff who are on standby for urgent cases and need a place to isolate away from their families. More than 1,000 staff will benefit, including those from SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services Co.), as well as other external medical services staff. The rooms have been coordinated by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

‘Together We Are Good’ was set up to give the community a chance to support Abu Dhabi Government’s efforts to address the current health and economic challenges. Launched by the Authority for Social Contribution – Ma’an, the programme is bringing together UAE community. It is opening the door for financial and in-kind contributions from people and companies to offer a helping hand for everyone.

 Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, said: “As the world continues to go through extraordinary and unprecedented times, the UAE remains in a strong position to mitigate risks and limit the impact of global challenges on the national economy and the health and wellbeing of everyone thanks to the early precautionary measures taken by our leadership. It is imperative for individuals, the private sector and the civil community to join and support the government’s efforts to ensure that the nation continues to be on the right path to get out of this crisis with minimal losses”.

"We are proud of you, proud of all the doctors, nurses, paramedics, and administrators in the health sector”, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai remarked in a telephone call with Dr Sarah Kazem, head of the Emergency Department at Dubai Health Authority (DHA). "You are the front line in our nation’s defence, the task you are undertaking is a great one", Sheikh Mohammed added praising the hard work and dedication of UAE-based doctors and nurses in the fight against the coronavirus COVID-19. The leadership and community's solidarity response represents an inspiring model from the UAE to the world facing the current health challenges as demonstration that only together we can overcome this emergency, stronger than
before.