Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 1,359 new cases reported; Global Village back for socially distanced edition

Around-up of major developments related to Covid-19 across the country.

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:

UAE reports 1,359 Covid-19 cases, 2,037 recoveries, 2 deaths

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Sunday reported 1,359 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 2,037 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported. As many as 118,058 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to over 12.4 million in the UAE so far. Dubai on Saturday extended its stimulus package by Dh500 million to support the local economy to cope with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and expedite economic recovery. This took the total stimulus package announced by the emirate’s government this year to Dh6.8 billion. The additional package was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

Dubai's Global Village back for socially distanced edition

The Global Village is offering a socially distanced shopping and leisure experience as it returned for its silver jubilee year on Sunday. Visitors in masks were ushered into the park after thermal camera checks. The ongoing pandemic did not seem to dip the spirit of the visitors as organisers ensured a crowd-free venue. Cultural performers and street artists had their masks up, too, as they entertained the revellers. Twenty-six pavilions highlight over 70 cultures from around the world, with Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia being the new additions. All venues at the park had bright floor stickers to ensure social distancing.

Efforts of missions in UAE amid coronavirus pandemic hailed

Efforts of diplomats in the UAE to help their citizens amid the pandemic was hailed on the occasion of International Diplomats Day. “The presence of a number of senior diplomats and officials from the UAE exhibited the solidarity towards common goals for making the world a better place to live,” tweeted the Consulate-General of India in Dubai on Saturday. Ahmed Al Banna, UAE’s Ambassador to India, said the two countries have reached a new level of ‘strategic relationships’. “India is the first country where we (UAE) signed a strategic agreement with,” he said during an event organised by the Indian Consulate, which also marked the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

Dubai brands that launched during the pandemic

The theme of practically all our lives this year is how Covid-19 threw a wrench into our plans. But there are also those who were determined that no pandemic was going to stand in the way of their goals or dreams. Here’s lauding some of the small businesses that took the leap of faith. 1.TheMadeonEarth: Organic clothing brand TheMadeonEarth began because Shweta Bora wanted to ‘make organic affordable’. Two years ago, before her son Arjun was born, she’d decided to go the organic route — but was surprised at how expensive day-to-day wear and essentials were. “The lockdown gave me enough time to go all out and make this dream a reality,” says the mompreneur, who started TMOE in April this year. “The brand, like many wonderful babies, was born during the pandemic. And my son is my biggest inspiration.”

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi