The UAE retained its lead in the Arab region while advancing to the eighth position globally in the Bloomberg Index of the most resilient countries in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the previous ranking, the UAE climbed up three spots, surpassing leading countries worldwide including China, Finland, Denmark, Canada and Switzerland.

According to the Bloomberg Index, the UAE's resilience score is 69.7 point in the COVID-19 Resilience Ranking. Notably, the Index reviews a wide range of data to analyse the most effective handling of COVID-19 among countries, with the least social and economic disruption from testing and mortality rates, freedom of movement and vaccine access. Significantly, Bloomberg’s COVID-19 Resilience Ranking is a representation of the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in leading economies.

During a recent media briefing of the UAE government on COVID-19, Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, Official Spokesperson of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), said the country climbed up in the ranking due to proactive response and necessary precautionary measures adopted by the leadership at the beginning of the pandemic. It helped in ensuring continuity of businesses amid pandemic restrictions.

"The success of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign in achieving its objectives underscores the strengthening of the UAE’s health sector," he added.

He further highlighted that more than 10 million vaccine doses have been administered across the country at a distribution rate of 104.51 doses for every 100 persons. In addition, over 43 million COVID-19 tests have been performed since the start of the pandemic in the UAE.

Dr. Al Dhaheri asserted that the UAE has emerged as one the most successful models in managing the pandemic globally. In this regard, he stressed one of the most prominent achievements of the UAE in combating COVID-19 was the launch of the national vaccination campaign to provide vaccines free of cost to everyone in the country.

"This requires the cooperation of everyone because they all have to take the vaccine and help the country achieve an acquired immunity for the entire population," he said.

Dr. Al Dhaheri appreciated the cooperation and support provided by the UAE community to national efforts since the onset of the pandemic. It was possible due to strict compliance with precautionary measures by all residents and citizens.

Thanking those who have received the vaccination to protect the UAE population, the Spokesperson urged other members of the community to take the vaccine.

''We will continue this path and work all together towards recovery," he affirmed.

He underlined that all internationally approved COVID-19 vaccines including, Sinopharm, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sputnik V, and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, are available free of charge for all citizens and residents at various vaccination centres across the country. However, it is important for people with any medical condition(s) to consult their doctors before taking the vaccine.

Speaking about Ramadan, Dr. Al Dhaheri noted that the Tahajud (night prayers) in the last 10 days of the Holy Month will be performed in compliance with precautionary measures similar to the Taraweeh prayers protocols. He stated that the period of Tahajud prayers should not exceed 30 minutes, starting from midnight to 00:30 across all the emirates. As per protocols, mosques will be closed immediately after the prayers. The UAE Fatwa Council has encouraged people, particularly elderly people, women, and those with chronic diseases, to perform the prayers at home.

In addition, the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has allowed fans into the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium at a maximum capacity of 30 percent to attend the final of the UAE President's Cup 2021 on May 16. All fans are required to adhere to precautionary measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

The final match will be attended by only those fans who took the vaccine during the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. They are also required to present a negative PCR test certificate and show the gold star or 'E' status on ALHOSN UAE app in order to enter the stadium. The PCR test must be performed within 48 hours of the match.

This initiative will also be taken into consideration to decide the return of fans into stadiums for the next stage of the joint World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers that are scheduled to be hosted by the UAE.

In conclusion of the media briefing, Dr. Al Dhaheri called on fans to get vaccinated in line with the national efforts to combat the pandemic.

WAM