Recently, it was announced that Abu Dhabi had once again topped the list of the world’s leading cities for its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. London-based analytics consortium Deep Knowledge Group (DKG), which compiled the list, placed Abu Dhabi above Seoul, Singapore and Tel Aviv – cities that have been hailed globally as COVID-19 success stories.
The recognition comes at a time when the UAE is recording its lowest number of daily cases since last year. The country has also achieved the highest vaccination rate in the world, with 195.2 administered doses per 100 people as of September 14.
So what is the secret to our success? To put it more specifically: how could Abu Dhabi manage to rein in the worst of the pandemic without an ongoing lockdown, while also minimising disruption to its economy?
In my view, there has been not one, but several critical factors that have contributed to Abu Dhabi’s effective response. At the beginning of the global pandemic and under careful direction from the emirate’s leadership, we were quick to act, bolstering our healthcare system by adding capacity. Abu Dhabi is fortunate to have a modern and sophisticated medical infrastructure. Within weeks of the pandemic, we moved quickly to build field hospitals and open mass-testing centres and screening facilities.
Early on, we understood that identifying individuals infected with Covid-19 would ultimately determine our ability to control the pandemic. As such, we set about conducting a mass-testing initiative as part of a broader strategy of testing, tracing and isolating positive cases. At present, Abu Dhabi is the number-one jurisdiction in the world in terms of number of tests per person.
Importantly, we understood that the availability, and crucially the affordability, of Covid-19 testing would be decisive in ensuring our population would get tested regularly. We have also worked hard to make testing fast, convenient, and readily available – in malls, tents, clinics, and hospitals with access on foot and with drive-through facilities.
Here in Abu Dhabi, we believe that the true value of any society is measured in how it treats its most vulnerable members. This was also obvious during our pandemic response, as we moved swiftly to ensure that our elderly populations and those with pre-existing medical conditions were safeguarded through targeted education and regular testing. Our health system also responded to ensure there was limited disruption to other healthcare provisions.
I am proud to say that in the past 12 months, we have added further capacity to the health system; we now have a total of six field hospitals and a 200 per cent increase in hospital bed capacity, with daily testing capacity of more than 300,000 people.
We believe that the true value of any society is measured in how it treats its most vulnerable members
This leads to another important factor: our approach to vaccinations. The efficiency and the scale of the roll-out, the access to vaccines and the uptake by members of the public have all been impressive. We believed we wouldn’t be safe until all of us were safe, meaning that it was crucial to get our community vaccinated in as little time as possible. Abu Dhabi and the UAE have had arguably the most successful vaccination drives in the world, and this has won us praise, deservedly, from all corners of the earth.
In one of the world’s most technologically advanced cities, it was almost inevitable that our innovative technologies would play a role in helping us fight Covid-19. For that reason, one of the first priorities and early successes was rolling out Alhosn app to enable the entire population to have quick access to test results and reports in addition to vaccination certifications.
The important thing about digital platforms is that they support early detection and treatment. To date, we have had one of the largest home isolation programmes using digital health monitoring as well as the largest home quarantine programme using digital monitoring.
By harnessing existing technology infrastructure, we have been able to ensure the highest level of services, connectivity, accessibility and integration between the public and private sectors as well as the community of Abu Dhabi.
In parallel, research has been another cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s response to the pandemic. Again, it is universally accepted that greater knowledge empowers us to understand the course of action required to defeat any threat. And one of the best ways to protect everyone was to understand the true nature of what we were dealing with. Early on, we started clinical trials and, to date, we have conducted one the largest Phase 3 trials of its kind globally, with over 31,000 volunteers from 120 nationalities.
The agility, flexibility and interoperability of stakeholders across the healthcare system, as well as their adjacent ecosystem partners, has also supported our successful response. Much of the muscle in the day-to-day efforts is down to effective collaborations between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, G42 and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), amongst many others.
I have also witnessed the pandemic cultivate a level of solidarity across the emirate, as we united in our efforts to combat this common threat. To its credit, our population has demonstrated exceptional civic responsibility at every step of the way. Our frontline workers have exhibited courage and determination, and theirs is a story of resilience in the face of adversity.
In Abu Dhabi we have worked hard to get to where we are today, and we are proud of the accomplishments and recognition that has come from that – but we also understand that now is not the time to be complacent. Until the day comes when Covid-19 is confined to the history books, we will continue to work hard and we won’t lose our focus.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
HOW TO WATCH
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
SPECS
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The biog
Name: Capt Shadia Khasif
Position: Head of the Criminal Registration Department at Hatta police
Family: Five sons and three daughters
The first female investigator in Hatta.
Role Model: Father
She believes that there is a solution to every problem
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Fighting with My Family
Director: Stephen Merchant
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Nick Frost, Lena Headey, Florence Pugh, Thomas Whilley, Tori Ellen Ross, Jack Lowden, Olivia Bernstone, Elroy Powell
Four stars
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War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
WHY%20AAYAN%20IS%20'PERFECT%20EXAMPLE'
%3Cp%3EDavid%20White%20might%20be%20new%20to%20the%20country%2C%20but%20he%20has%20clearly%20already%20built%20up%20an%20affinity%20with%20the%20place.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20the%20UAE%20shocked%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20semi-final%20of%20the%20Under%2019%20Asia%20Cup%20last%20month%2C%20White%20was%20hugged%20on%20the%20field%20by%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20captain.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EWhite%20suggests%20that%20was%20more%20a%20sign%20of%20Aayan%E2%80%99s%20amiability%20than%20anything%20else.%20But%20he%20believes%20the%20young%20all-rounder%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20winning%20Gulf%20Giants%20team%20last%20year%2C%20is%20just%20the%20sort%20of%20player%20the%20country%20should%20be%20seeking%20to%20produce%20via%20the%20ILT20.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20is%20a%20delightful%20young%20man%2C%E2%80%9D%20White%20said.%20%E2%80%9CHe%20played%20in%20the%20competition%20last%20year%20at%2017%2C%20and%20look%20at%20his%20development%20from%20there%20till%20now%2C%20and%20where%20he%20is%20representing%20the%20UAE.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20influential%20in%20the%20U19%20team%20which%20beat%20Pakistan.%20He%20is%20the%20perfect%20example%20of%20what%20we%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20achieve%20here.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20the%20development%20of%20players%20who%20are%20going%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE%20and%20go%20on%20to%20help%20make%20UAE%20a%20force%20in%20world%20cricket.%E2%80%9D%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.
The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
Ferrari
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Sunday:
GP3 race: 12:10pm
Formula 2 race: 1:35pm
Formula 1 race: 5:10pm
Performance: Guns N' Roses
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
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