Demand for PPE, masks and gloves to remain strong

Dubai - Companies have demonstrated capability to shift production lines, even from one industry to another during and due to pandemic

Demand for personal protection equipment (PPE) as well as masks, gloves and other items required by medical professionals will remain strong in the near future and UAE firms are looking at expanding their facilities, senior public and private officials said during a recent webinar.
Dr Abdul Aziz Al Muhairi, director at the Sharjah Health Authority, said companies have demonstrated their capability to shift production lines, even from one industry to another during - and due to - the pandemic.
"That is the hallmark of survival. The demand for personal protection equipment is not going to die out in the near future. Beyond masks and gloves, there are many items required by medical professionals which will always command a robust market," he said during the webinar organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah).
In July, the Dubai Chamber launched an online marketplace for PPE products amidst the demand.
Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, said the federal as well as local governments have helped companies weather the situation through stimulus packages, favourable labour laws and exemptions in various fields. "The lesson we learnt today is that businesses need to stay flexible and change strategies to suit the situation," he said.
Ismail Ali Abdulla, CEO of Strata, said thhere is always an opportunity in every situation and businesses would do well to read these in advance and adapt to shifting realities.
"The aviation industry has been hit hard and recovery will take at least three to five years. This made us think of utilising our facilities to manufacture products that are required most now. Building on our strong partnerships, we have managed to rapidly prototype and trial healthcare innovations required to fight the Covid-19 virus. We have the capacity to manufacture 30 million masks annually," he said.
- waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com