Coronavirus: UAE-based hotel offer rooms for medical staff to rest

Abu Dhabi - Hundreds of people and businesses across the UAE have come together to show their support.

Front-line medical workers in Abu Dhabi are benefiting from the financial and in-kind contributions from Ma'an's 'Together We Are Good' programme as contributions continue to flood in from across the community.
Aimed at channelling the community's efforts to support the current health and economic challenges, businesses and individuals have stepped up their support financially alongside many in-kind contributions including apartment buildings, villas, cars, and food packages.
Among the companies to offer their support is Millennium Hotels. On Friday, they offered 60 rooms at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi and Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown, minutes from Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, to allow front-line medical workers to get some well-deserved rest while on standby for urgent cases coming in.
Within two hours of being contacted by Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, staff at Ma'an were able to map their requirements and match them with an appropriate contributor, organizing the hotel rooms quickly and efficiently. During their stay at the hotels, meals and laundry services will all be paid for by the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an.
Ali Lakhraim Al Zaabi, Group Chairman of the Lakhraim Business Group and President of Millennium Hotels and Resorts in Middle East and Africa, said: "During this period, it's important that we come together to show our support and this is why Lakhraim Business Group Tetra Hospitality Investment has contributed rooms in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
"Whether you're a UAE national or an expat, we are all in this together and it's essential that we not only stay safe but also assist those who are in need."
Dr. Mariam Buti Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, said: "The health and wellbeing of everyone is important given the current situation. We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the 'Together We Are Good' programme that is helping the medical professionals address these challenges.
"The support we have received has been tremendous and signifies the community's solidarity and cohesion."
Since the launch of 'Together We Are Good' on Monday, hundreds of people and businesses across the UAE have come together to show their support, with Ma'an receiving nearly 500 calls and more than 4,600 SMS messages from people who want to contribute. Over 600 people have come forward to volunteer their time and expertise including doctors, retired military personnel and various other specialties.
Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma'an, said: "I want to thank our entire community for the overwhelming response to the 'Together We Are Good' programme. From volunteers to significant financial contributions and companies coming forward to offer their help, it is humbling to see our community work together in the spirit of overcoming current social challenges.
"The contribution from Millennium Hotels puts the spotlight on some of the beneficiaries of our programme. The frontline medical workers are the unsung heroes of our effort against current health challenges and these hotel rooms express our gratitude in a practical and helpful way.
"I urge Abu Dhabi to continue showing its community spirit in these unprecedented times and work together to ensure we remain focused and resilient."
Those wishing to contribute financially can send SMS messages to 6670 (AED 1000), 6678 (Dh500), 6683 (Dh100) and 6658 (Dh50). They can also call 8005-MAAN for volunteering and in-kind and financial contributions above Dh1,000 or send messages on WhatsApp on 0543055366. Transfers can also be made via First Abu Dhabi Bank using the IBAN number: AE100351011003988349032. In-kind contributions include equipment, buildings, services, and time as well as expert volunteering efforts.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com