Nurses working at hospitals across the UAE received a phone call on Monday from Mohanlal, a famous Indian actor, thanking them for their hard work ahead of International Nurses Day.
Some received the call while walking in full protective gear in hospital corridors while others were bent over patient registers at nurses' stations.
Many spoke into phones wrapped in plastic and hugged their colleagues in delight.
The actor, a big name in the south Indian film industry, called more than a dozen nurses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain directly on their mobile to say thanks to the true superheroes.
Anumol Joseph, a nurse in Medeor Hospital, said she "squealed with joy" when she realised it was the superstar on the other end and not someone playing a prank.
“It took me some time to get back to my senses,” said an elated Ms Joseph, who works in the hospital’s Covid-19 ward.
“Usually, I do not take attend to calls from unknown numbers during duty time. Particularly nowadays, as we have to remove our face shields to attend calls. But I would have regretted it for my entire life if I had missed the call.”
Staff were told to expect a call but none suspected it would be an actor. The phone calls were organised by VPS Healthcare as a special gift to nurses in the country.
Mohanlal underwent surgery for a hand injury at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai last December.
The actor, who spoke on phone from Chennai, India, told the medics to stay strong and that “this tough phase will soon come to an end.”
Mohanlal, known by one name, asked people to thank nurses and doctors for their commitment, sacrifice and pray for their health as they fought on the front lines against the pandemic.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
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CONCRETE COWBOY
Directed by: Ricky Staub
Starring: Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome
3.5/5 stars
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The British in India: Three Centuries of Ambition and Experience
by David Gilmour
Allen Lane
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GROUPS
Group Gustavo Kuerten
Novak Djokovic (x1)
Alexander Zverev (x3)
Marin Cilic (x5)
John Isner (x8)
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RACE CARD
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 (PA) Listed Dh230,000 1,600m
6.30pm: HH The President’s Cup (PA) Group 1 Dh2.5million 2,200m
7pm: HH The President’s Cup (TB) Listed Dh380,000 1,400m
7.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh70,000 1,200m.
Other promotions
- Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
- Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
- Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications)
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club race card
5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige; Dh110,000; 1,400m
5.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic (PA) Prestige; Dh110,000; 1,400m
6pm: Maiden (PA); Dh80,000; 1,600m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (PA) Listed; Dh180,000; 1,600m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap; Dh70,000; 2,200m
7.30pm: Handicap (PA); Dh100,000; 2,400m
Schedule:
Pakistan v Sri Lanka:
28 Sep-2 Oct, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi
6-10 Oct, 2nd Test (day-night), Dubai
13 Oct, 1st ODI, Dubai
16 Oct, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
18 Oct, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi
20 Oct, 4th ODI, Sharjah
23 Oct, 5th ODI, Sharjah
26 Oct, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
27 Oct, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
29 Oct, 3rd T20I, Lahore
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North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
Terrain: Ice rock
South Pole stats
Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
Weight of equipment: 50kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300
Terrain: Flat ice
The specs
Engine: 5.2-litre V10
Power: 640hp at 8,000rpm
Torque: 565Nm at 6,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: From Dh1 million
On sale: Q3 or Q4 2022
