A recent research study issued by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research confirmed that the UAE has planned a model of its own in crisis management since the emergence of the Corona virus in China, and then spread to various parts of the world, and did not seek to simulate the Chinese model, nor other models, despite Its attempt to benefit from the successful experiences, specifically the experience of South Korea in expanding the laboratory examination, pointing to seven main factors for the success of the Emirati model in facing the virus, most notably the commitment to complete transparency, proactive movement, and the concern to involve the community in efforts to contain the disease.
The study confirmed that the daily follow-up by the state’s leaders to the measures taken in the face of the Corona pandemic (Covid 19), its repeated appearance on various media outlets, and its assurances that the state bears its responsibility to protect human life, had the greatest impact on the feeling of those present on the state’s land, citizens Residents and visitors, in safety and comfort.
In detail, the study stated that the UAE has planned a model of its own in managing the emerging Corona crisis (Covid-19), since the first appearance of the virus in December 2019, and then its spread to various parts of the world, as it did not seek to simulate the Chinese model, nor other models, Rather, she followed her own path in crisis management, realizing that its political, economic, social and cultural system is different from other countries. It also knows that every country has comparative advantages that it employs in defining crisis management capabilities and modalities.
The study - titled "The Model of the UAE in the Face of the Corona Crisis of Crisis" - showed that the Emirati model was based on seven urgent measures that governed the strategy to confront the Corona epidemic, the first of which was to keep pace with the instructions and directives of the World Health Organization, and a commitment to apply them fully and quickly from the first day to discover the Corona virus New in China until it was declared by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, then commitment to transparency standards in dealing with the crisis, and full disclosure of data on the status of the epidemic within the country, as well as the involvement of society in efforts to contain the disease, both through awareness of its role in it It is the crisis and its responsibility to follow preventive measures, especially "social divergence", or by promoting community initiatives, individuals and companies, such as the establishment of the "Emirates Homeland Fund", which receives the contributions of individuals, physical and physical institutions, and logistical support, and the launch of the Community Contributions Authority in Abu Dhabi. Together we are fine. ”
According to the study, the fourth measure included an attempt to benefit from the experiences of other countries that have proven useful, particularly South Korea's experience in expanding the laboratory test to detect the virus. The state also worked on continuous and dynamic evaluation of the reality of the crisis, and taking appropriate measures for the situation, without panic or loss of balance, and its efforts were not limited to confronting the health consequences of the epidemic, but put plans and determined procedures and decisions to face other consequences resulting from it, such as economic, educational and social repercussions, while the procedure represents The latter is a proactive move in crisis management by preparing plans and capabilities to deal with next steps, and preparing for possible scenarios.
The study pointed out that the Emirati model deliberately contained the Corona epidemic to employ the comparative advantages enjoyed by the Emirates, the most important of which is the dynamism of the government administration and its effectiveness, which enabled it to efficiently manage the crisis and take the necessary decisions urgently, confirming that the daily follow-up of the leaders of the supreme state for the measures taken, And its frequent appearance on the various media outlets, and its assurances that the state will assume its responsibility to protect human life, have had the greatest impact on the feeling of safety and comfort present on the territory of the state, including citizens, residents and visitors.
The study pointed out that the state harnessed the large financial capabilities, which enabled it to take optimal decisions in managing the crisis, and to take precautionary and preventive measures without regard to the financial cost.
It has also made good use of the quality of the country's health system, which responded to the crisis without disturbance, and without facing shortages, whether in medical equipment and equipment, or in the human cadres.
She stressed that the federal system of the state facilitated the development of the "National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management" a strategy for centrally managing the crisis, and the implementation of each emirate for this strategy and directives issued by the authority and the rest of the federal jihad, while leaving a margin for each emirate to take the additional measures it deems appropriate.
Regarding the elements of the Emirati strategy to confront the epidemic, the study said that the country's strategy was based on five main elements, the first is to take strict measures and preventive measures to contain the disease and not to spread it, by developing procedures to monitor cases at entry points into the state's lands, and to enhance the detection of cases proactively by expanding Laboratory tests, providing specialized and appropriate quarantine places and appropriate treatment protocols for cases, as well as active tracking of contacts, as well as taking standard measures to reduce disease transmission such as disrupting educational institutions, and suspending air traffic from To and from the state, stopping all public activities, preventing gatherings, and closing public places such as shopping centers and parks, except for the necessary ones.
The second component of the strategy to tackle the virus in the country revolves around an attempt to not disrupt the normal lives of people. Despite the implementation of the measures of “social divergence” and the launch of the “Stay Home” campaign, which urges people to stay in their homes and not go out except for necessity, the state has taken Taking into account the mental health of individuals, so I followed the gradual method in the procedures to limit the movement of people. Nor did it implement full and comprehensive prohibitions.
The third component was devoted to "minimizing the economic effects of the crisis on the business sector", aside from the incentives announced by the UAE Central Bank with a total value of 100 billion dirhams to help banks operating in the UAE deal with the negative economic impacts caused by the Corona crisis, the federal and local governments have taken measures Several to enhance economic stability, where the Abu Dhabi government, for example, launched 16 initiatives to reduce the burdens on companies and stimulate their ability to face difficult market conditions. It also announced the formation of a committee to review the loan situation of companies, and the Dubai government has launched an economic incentive package worth 1.5 billion dirhams, with the aim of supporting companies and the business sector, as well as launching several initiatives to reduce the financial burden on businesses.
And the fourth element in the Emirati strategy to confront “Corona” is to transform the challenge into an opportunity by developing the state’s health capabilities, aside from the state’s tendency to develop its health capabilities during the crisis, for example, establishing “vehicle testing centers” to detect the Corona virus within 15 minutes Only, the state has established in Abu Dhabi the largest modern laboratory outside China, with superior processing capabilities to perform tens of thousands of tests using the technique of "instant polymer" chain reaction. Not only is this laboratory characterized by its superior ability to diagnose the "Covid-19" virus, but it has the ability to detect new pathogens in the future through advanced serial tests.
As for the fifth element on which the state’s strategy to confront “Corona” was based, represented in the «continuation of the humanitarian role of the Emirates», the UAE did not stop during the crisis from the humanitarian principle inherent in its foreign policy, as it undertook several humanitarian initiatives to enhance global efforts to confront the Corona epidemic, providing supplies Medical treatment to China, Iran and Afghanistan, which was praised by the World Health Organization. It is also the only Arab country that has announced, in the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to stand with Syria in this crisis, and not to leave the Syrian people alone, as well as it evacuated 215 individuals from Arab and foreign countries who were stuck in the Chinese city of Wuhan And provided them with residence and care in the humanitarian city in Abu Dhabi until they leave their countries, after proving that they are free of disease.
"The UAE has followed a special path in crisis management, realizing that its political, economic, social and cultural system is different from other countries."
"The Emirati model was based on urgent measures that governed the strategy to tackle the Corona epidemic."
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An initiative launched by the Abu Dhabi government to reduce the burden on companies and stimulate their ability to cope with difficult market conditions.
Advance preparations
The study confirmed that the state's prior preparations for emergencies and crises, which included enhancing the state’s strategic stockpile in the fields of food and medicine, were evident by the absence of any shortage of different commodities in the markets since the beginning of the crisis, in addition to the development of the country's infrastructure and the communications and internet network It allowed schools and universities to switch to distance education.
The advancement of digital government has also facilitated people's almost complete access to digital services, without the need to go to the headquarters of ministries and government agencies.
The study commended the state’s ability to employ smart and innovative solutions in the face of the epidemic and crisis management, such as using unmanned aircraft to sterilize cities, and developing a mobile pharmacy service (medicine) that delivers medicines to homes, to spare chronic disease holders and the elderly to go to hospitals, and relieve stress For medical facilities.