Doctors serving on the front lines of the UAE’s Covid-19 outbreak say they never expected to be rewarded with a 10-year golden residency visa for doing what they believe is their duty.
On Wednesday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, granted the long-term visa to 212 doctors from hospitals across the emirate in appreciation for their work.
Dr Chinara Djantosheva, an intensive care specialist at Rashid Hospital, described it as a generous gift.
“I thought only big businesspeople got this visa and thought it was not possible when I got the call,” she said.
The intensive care specialist, from Kyrgyzstan, said receiving the golden visa, which the UAE government began issuing to investors and entrepreneurs last year, was unexpected and “a really big Ramadan gift from the rulers and the government.
“For doctors it has been a challenge to work when the pandemic is everywhere in the world but we have to protect our patients, our families and ourselves.”
Sometimes people think doctors are cold because they see people die. But for me, no way, I die too when we lose patients
Dr Djantosheva, 55, has been working with a team of specialists in Rashid Hospital since February, treating severe Covid-19 cases. In total, she has worked at the hospital for 11 years.
She said witnessing patients deteriorate rapidly is heartbreaking but has strengthened her resolve.
“We physically cry for some patients. Sometimes people think doctors are cold because they see people die. But for me, no way, I die too when we lose patients,” said Dr Djantosheva.
“Emotionally it’s not easy. When I come home I feel like I’m a lemon without any juice. Everything goes out of me but we take rest and go back again to save people because that is our duty.”
Samrat Waghaye, also an ICU specialist, said he was overwhelmed when he received an email from Humaid Al Qatami, director general of the Dubai Health Authority, late on Wednesday, congratulating him on the visa.
“When the whole world is fighting for survival and there is such a move from the ruling family and you are working for the government sector, you feel really appreciated,” said the 43-year-old father of two, who has worked in Rashid Hospital for a decade.
“I’m really humbled and thankful.”
Mr Waghaye’s family left for India in March for a short holiday but were unable to return after flights were grounded to limit the spread of the virus.
Staff at Rashid Hospital, one of Dubai's oldest and busiest government hospitals, have seen a sharp increase in the number of cases since the first patients had Covid-19 diagnosed in the UAE in late January.
The hospital worked quickly to prepare for an influx of patients.
New isolation zones were built and intensive care units were converted into negative pressure rooms that contain airborne contaminants and prevent microorganisms from spreading.
The doctors said they often found it difficult to switch off, thinking of their patients in critical condition long after their shift ends.
“It is all team work because, when patients are on the ventilator, we have restless nights. We check the computer to see if we are missing something, discuss with seniors and then when we finally extubate and discharge a patient, that is really rewarding,” Dr Waghaye said.
Precautionary measures at hospitals mean Covid-19 patients cannot have any visitors so doctors must update families instead.
“The family get a boost when they know there is hope,” he said. “They cannot see their loved one so we try to give them the correct picture.”
Dr Waghaye’s message to people in the UAE is to trust the system.
“What we are doing in the ICU is a medical effort but each front is working: the police municipality, and sanitation departments are making a tremendous effort to contain the pandemic. We will come out of it. We need time, faith and trust.”
Dr Madhavi Telang, another intensive care specialist at Rashid Hospital, said the gesture from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid residency visa was a surprise gift that recognised the fight the medical community had undertaken.
“For a few days, there was a fear factor but we had to overcome. Now we are comfortable with the masks and have learnt to live with the PPE,” he said.
The doctor, 48, has worked in the UAE for 14 years and takes the strictest precautions when she returns home to her husband and son.
“There have been stressful situations when patients die but patients are also recovering and being taken off the ventilator so we will win this fight.”
Dr Shahbano Afzal, 48, from Pakistan, said the long-term visa deepened her sense of belonging to the UAE.
“This feels even more like home because I’m really looking to buy a house and settle down here with my family,” said Dr Afzal, who lives with her husband in Dubai and has teenage daughters studying overseas.
“The pandemic is a challenge but we are working together. As a doctor I try to take fear out of my mind because we are involved in procedures by the patient’s bedside.
“My family does worry but I explain that we have the strictest protective measures. I have taken an oath that I will be there for my patients and that is what we are doing.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
Also on December 7 to 9, the third edition of the Gulf Car Festival (www.gulfcarfestival.com) will take over Dubai Festival City Mall, a new venue for the event. Last year's festival brought together about 900 cars worth more than Dh300 million from across the Emirates and wider Gulf region – and that first figure is set to swell by several hundred this time around, with between 1,000 and 1,200 cars expected. The first day is themed around American muscle; the second centres on supercars, exotics, European cars and classics; and the final day will major in JDM (Japanese domestic market) cars, tuned vehicles and trucks. Individuals and car clubs can register their vehicles, although the festival isn’t all static displays, with stunt drifting, a rev battle, car pulls and a burnout competition.
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Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
SPECS
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
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Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
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