As Published in the Khaleej Times on 21 April 2020.

The law aims to protect the society in times of disasters and emergencies that threaten the health, economy and environment.

The UAE Cabinet, chaired remotely by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a draft law on the protection of national safety to guarantee the protection of society in cases of disasters and any healthcare, economic and environmental threats to the country.

During a virtual meeting held today, the Cabinet also hosted a group of frontliners to thank them for their tremendous efforts. Sheikh Mohammed also thanked citizens and residents healthcare workers who are working hard in their fight against corona virus pandemic.

“Today, I chaired a Cabinet meeting in which we followed up on developments of the global Covid-19 pandemic in the UAE, in terms of health, education and the economy. The session hosted members of our front-lines of defence. We are grateful for their tremendous efforts,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“We approved a draft law on the protection of national safety. The new law guarantees the protection of society in cases of disasters and any healthcare, economic and environmental threats to our country,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

He went on to say: “We approved the formation of a taskforce to develop the UAE’s modern agricultural sector headed by Minister of State for Food Security & representatives from government and private sectors. Sustainable agriculture is an economic, security and social guarantee for the UAE.

“We approved the setting up of a taskforce to develop government human resources and provide new applications to raise productivity and skill-sets, with technical preparations for after the crisis. The reality of work will change & the post-Covid-19 world needs new provisions,” the Dubai Ruler said in a separate tweet.

“We approved creating a taskforce to study the optimal use of government buildings and facilities and the possibility of converting them into medical facilities amid this global crisis. All government capabilities will be utilised to rapidly overcome this unprecedented time” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.