UAE: Abu Dhabi prioritised food, medicine during Covid-19 lockdown, top official recalls
Abu Dhabi prioritised the distribution of food and medicines as the world shut down to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, a top official has recalled. Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development outlined that the UAE capital navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic with a resolute focus on this guiding principle.
Addressing the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Rashed Al Blooshi emphasised the importance of a clear vision amid uncertainty during a crisis. "We faced a period of scattered data and confusion," he noted. "However, our leadership's message was unambiguous: Prioritise health and sustenance."
Al Blooshi elaborated on the Department of Economic Development's dual focus during the crisis. "While the economy is vital, our primary commitment was to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens," he stated. The swift collaboration across sectors, including tourism and municipal services, was crucial in implementing a coordinated response to the crisis.
Central to Abu Dhabi's success was its flexibility in adapting to rapidly changing circumstances. Al Blooshi recounted how the emirate's robust infrastructure facilitated a seamless transition to electronic services, allowing for uninterrupted education and service delivery. "When faced with lockdowns, we quickly moved to ensure that essential services remained accessible," he explained.
Community initiatives played a significant role in distributing food and medicine safely. Local councils were transformed into distribution centres, effectively addressing the needs of residents. "Our focus on 'medicine and food' allowed us to mobilise resources efficiently," Al Blooshi said.
The private sector also demonstrated remarkable adaptability, shifting from traditional retail to online shopping and home delivery. "Transportation companies pivoted to deliver goods directly to homes, ensuring that our economy continued to function despite the challenges," he noted.
Despite the turmoil brought on by the pandemic and accompanying natural disasters, Al Blooshi expressed gratitude for the resilience of the UAE's economy and the welfare enjoyed by its residents. The establishment of a support fund further reinforced the commitment to navigating the crisis effectively.
He mentioned the strong international relations of the UAE which helped even when facing shortages in obtaining food supplies, medical supplies, and even essential or non-essential materials. The UAE had options because of its relationships, he said. "We could shift from country A to country B and then provide what we saw fit for our homes.'
Also, he spoke about how the government of Abu Dhabi, during this pandemic, took advantage of it, leading to significant investments directed towards the UAE during that crisis.
Dag Detter Investment Advisor and Expert in Public Commercial Assets, gave an example of a football team or an Olympic star. Most people don't react until they have had an accident then they will realise that if they had trained better, they would have managed the injuries better,' he said. He also mentioned the importance of education and better discussion between ministries and sharing knowledge about their experiences during crises.
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