The UAE has proved to be one of best prepared countries to deal with the pandemic, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said.

“The UAE’s fight against the pandemic has particularly been a story of strength, fortitude and endurance. We have been tested in our ability to deal with this unforeseen situation, but we have emerged out of it tougher,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

His remarks were published in the annual report of Dubai’s Emirates Group, which reported that 2020-21 was its first non-profitable year in 33 years.

The Covid-19 pandemic has so far infected over 177 million people and resulted in 3.8 million deaths globally (until June 16, 2021). Travel in general and air travel in particular has been among the worst-hit economic sectors. In a bid to contain the spread of the virus, many countries suspended or severely restricted international and domestic flights throughout the financial year ended March 31, 2021.

“The investments we made over the last few decades to create a world-leading infrastructure, thanks to the vision of our founding fathers, combined with our robust institutions and public services, have enabled us to counter the Covid-19 challenge,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

As air travel was disrupted across the world, Dubai and its flagship carrier Emirates played a pivotal role in helping the world tackle the vaccination challenge. In addition to supporting global supply chains for food, medical and other trade items, Emirates SkyCargo tapped on its pharma capabilities and infrastructure to support the worldwide distribution of Covid-19 vaccines and humanitarian relief to Lebanon in the aftermath of the Port of Beirut explosions.

“What has been truly remarkable is the way all stakeholders in our society and economy have come together to mobilise the efforts and resources needed to combat the pandemic. The joint efforts of the public and private sectors in mounting a strong healthcare response is one of the examples of this spirit of solidarity,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

In October, Emirates SkyCargo set up a dedicated GDP-certified airside hub in Dubai for Covid-19 vaccines, and later it partnered with Unicef to facilitate the rapid transport of Covid-19 vaccines to developing nations through Dubai.

“The response of Dubai’s aviation and logistics industry leaders to the disruption caused by Covid-19 is a key example of our nation’s ability to rise to the challenge in these testing times. Working unitedly, they have been quick to use their global capabilities not only to facilitate the rapid distribution of vaccines in the country but also send relief and humanitarian aid to developing nations,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

Read Sheikh Mohammed’s Full Statement Below

“The Covid-19 pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges humanity has faced in its known history. Nevertheless, while it has caused unprecedented disruptions to our lives, it has also summoned extraordinary resilience across the world.

“The UAE’s fight against the pandemic has particularly been a story of strength, fortitude and endurance.

We have been tested in our ability to deal with this unforeseen situation, but we have emerged out of it tougher.

“In many ways, the UAE has proved to be one of best prepared countries to deal with this pandemic. Not only have we effectively safeguarded the health and wellbeing of citizens and residents, we have also weathered the economic impact of the crisis. The investments we made over the last few decades to create a world-leading infrastructure, thanks to the vision of our founding fathers, combined with our robust institutions and public services, have enabled us to counter the Covid-19 challenge.

“What has been truly remarkable is the way all stakeholders in our society and economy have come together to mobilise the efforts and resources needed to combat the pandemic. The joint efforts of the public and private sectors in mounting a strong healthcare response is one of the examples of this spirit of solidarity.

“Consistent with this spirit, the Dubai government has placed a high priority on extending support measures to businesses to ensure the short-term impact of the pandemic does not translate into long-term challenges.

“Going ahead, we continue to remain committed to helping all sectors in recovering on a solid footing. Amidst the pandemic, our model for finding solutions to challenges has been marked by cooperation, humanitarian values and rapid action. The response of Dubai’s aviation and logistics industry leaders to the disruption caused by Covid-19 is a key example of our nation’s ability to rise to the challenge in these testing times. Working unitedly, they have been quick to use their global capabilities not only to facilitate the rapid distribution of vaccines in the country but also send relief and humanitarian aid to developing nations.

“Aviation is indeed vital to Dubai’s vision to be a pivotal economic hub for the world. The Emirates Group actively contributes to Dubai’s economic success and is central to our future growth and prosperity. I am confident the Group will continue its role as a world-leading organisation shaping the future of global aviation, while also furthering the UAE’s vision and aspirations.

“The UAE will mark 50 years of nationhood in December 2021. Growing from a modest regional trading post to a nation that sent the Arab world’s first space mission to Mars, the UAE’s development has been truly extraordinary. I look forward to our country achieving greater successes and accelerating our progress on the ambitious path set by our founding leaders. Their vision to drive human advancement and create a better world for future generations continues to inspire us.”

• His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

As published in the Emirates Group Annual Report 2020-2021