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UAE: Abu Dhabi prioritised food, medicine during Covid-19 lockdown, top official recalls
The swift collaboration across sectors, including tourism and municipal services, was crucial in implementing a coordinated response to the crisis, he said
- PUBLISHED: Wed 9 Apr 2025, 5:50 PM
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."
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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.
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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.
Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.
