After throwing its doors open to partygoers over the New Year, Dubai is now facing the economic cost of surging coronavirus cases as flight bans threaten its £23 billion tourism sector. Britain last night placed an outright travel ban on the Middle East party haven where the New Year revelry has been blamed for a spike in infections. Denmark also shut down flights last week while Germany is now requiring negative tests for travellers from the.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – After opening itself to New Year’s revelers, Dubai is now being blamed by several countries for spreading the coronavirus abroad, even as questions swirl about the city-state’s ability to handle reported record spikes in cases.
The government’s Dubai Media Office says the sheikhdom is doing all it can to handle the pandemic, though it has repeatedly declined to answer questions from The Associated Press about its hospital capacity.
“After a year of managing the pandemic, we can confidently say the current situation is under control and we have our plans to surge any capacity in the health care system should a need rise,” it said.
EXCLUSIVE: Defiant fitness coach influencers boast that they got last flight out from UK to Dubai after Priti Patel s message to stay at home and obey Covid lockdown rules
Mark Ross, who works for Barry s Gym Chain, and Jessica Riffat from Manchester flew to Dubai on Thursday
They left just hours before all direct flights between the two countries were banned due to Covid-19 variant
One angry client of 30-year-old Ms Riffat said this is clearly a holiday and a breach of the lockdown law
Mr Ross, who works for Barry s Gym Chain, filmed himself strolling around Dubai Marina with his girlfriend
UAE doctors call Emirati citizenship law a rewarding move
Saman Haziq/Dubai
(Wam file photo used for illustrative purpose)
The announcement has overwhelmed the healthcare professionals with optimism and joy.
The medical fraternity has hailed the historic decision to grant UAE citizenship to qualified professionals in certain categories, with many calling it a reward” for the hardworking expat population.
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For doctors and specialists to be considered, they must be specialised in a unique scientific discipline or any other that are highly required in the UAE. The applicant must have acknowledged scientific contributions, studies and research of scientific value and a practical experience of not less than 10 years, in addition to obtaining membership in a reputable organisation in his field of specialisation.
After opening itself to New Year revellers, Dubai is now being blamed by several countries for spreading the coronavirus abroad, as questions swirl about the city-state’s ability to handle record spikes in Covid-19 cases.
The government said the kingdom is doing all it can to handle the pandemic, though it has repeatedly declined to answer questions about its hospital capacity.
In a statement, the government said: “After a year of managing the pandemic, we can confidently say the current situation is under control and we have our plans to surge any capacity in the health care system should a need rise.”