UAE authorities are urging the public to celebrate the New Year safely and help combat a rise in Covid-19 cases.
Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesman for the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, stressed the crucial need to abide by Covid-19 safety measures while ringing in 2021 at public and private gatherings in the Emirates.
He reiterated the importance of wearing masks and adhering to social distancing rules.
"The government has proved professional in dealing with the pandemic," he said.
“In the last few days we have been able to trace an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the UAE.
"We would like to call on all people, specifically during the holidays, to adhere to measures put in place by the health sector since the outbreak."
Crowds will gather at firework displays in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to bid farewell to 2020.
“We are on the eve of welcoming a new year and there will be many celebrations so let’s celebrate responsibly," Dr Al Dhaheri said. "Your health and safety is a priority.”
He said fines will be issued to those who flout rules and inspections will be carried out to ensure all are following safety guidelines.
A major safety strategy was drawn up for a spectacular fireworks, laser and lights show at Burj Khalifa.
Members of the public must register to attend, while thousands of police will be on patrol to ensure regulations are being followed.
A dedicated operations room is set up to monitor crowds, while field hospitals were erected in the Downtown Dubai area.
The event will be broadcast on Zoom to allow viewers to watch Dubai's traditional New Year's Eve celebrations from the comfort of their homes.
The official called on households to undergo regular PCR testing – including for domestic helpers – to ensure they stay free of the virus.
The message comes after the UAE recorded its highest number of daily Covid-19 cases on Wednesday.
The latest tally of 1,723 infections brought the country's number of cases since the outbreak began to 206,092.
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Read more about the coronavirus
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
