If you've noticed slim, yellow bands around the wrists of fellow UAE residents in recent days, they are more than just a fashion statement.
Instead, they are the product of a non-profit collaboration between Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) and 81 Designs, created to show solidarity and support for the country's fight against Covid-19.
As of Sunday, May 3, the bands are being given to every person who gets tested at any Seha-accredited screening facility in the UAE.
Adorned with the words "I am committed" in both English and Arabic, the wristbands were created to acknowledge dedication – both personal and governmental – towards curbing the spread of the pandemic.
“The UAE’s leadership has taken exemplary steps to empower the country’s healthcare sector and effectively combat the global pandemic with countrywide testing, prevention and preparedness," said Mohammed Hawas Al Sadid, chief executive of Seha, the UAE’s largest healthcare network.
“It is extremely important to continue with the concerted efforts to educate the community about the importance of adhering to the government’s preventive guidelines, especially staying home and following social distancing practices to limit the spread of the virus."
The bands were designed to show "a token of [the wearer's] commitment" to social distancing, as well as the UAE's response to the pandemic.
The UAE announced 462 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, pushing the country's total infections to 15,192.
Health officials confirmed a further nine people had died after contracting Covid-19 as the death toll linked to the virus climbed to 146. Another 187 people have beaten the disease, bringing the country's growing tally of recoveries to 3,153.
Fourteen drive-through Seha testing facilities are located across the UAE, included in Abu Dhabi's Musaffah and Al Ain.
"We are grateful to the 81 Designs team for adding a creative layer to the country’s educational programme with the beautifully designed wristbands for individuals who get tested at a Seha facility," added Al Sadid.
A social enterprise founded by Nadine Maalouf and Nesrine El Tibi Maalouf, 81 Designs primarily supports female artisans and gives refugees a platform to showcase their talent.
The country's efforts are not only being recognised locally but also at an international level
"As proud residents of the country, the ‘I am committed’ wristband is a small contribution from our organisation to creatively showcase the importance of adhering to the actions taken by the government, and urging the community to strictly abide by the directives,” said Maalouf.
"The country’s efforts are not only being recognised locally, but also at an international level."
A total of 50,000 wristbands are currently in production with the first batch of 1,600 already distributed.
Elective tests cost Dh370 and can be paid for through the Seha app. Health officials have made mass testing a focal point of their campaign to contain the virus.
More than a million tests have been conducted in the UAE.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Grand Slam Los Angeles results
Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos
Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
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