COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates
The COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The first confirmed case in the United Arab Emirates was announced on 29 January 2020. It was the first country in the Middle East to report a confirmed case.
The first patient, a 73-year-old Chinese woman, was released on 9 February after recovering. The first two deaths were confirmed on March 20. On 22 March, Dubai started an 11-day sterilisation campaign as an effort to contain the coronavirus. Night curfew was imposed four days later while the country began disinfection. School closure was first announced on March 8 for four weeks. Three weeks later, it was announced that school will be closed until the end of the academic year.
Background
On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.
Timeline
January 2020
On 29 January, the first case in the UAE was confirmed to be a 73-year-old Chinese woman who came to the country on holiday with her family from Wuhan. The family of four, 36-year-old mother, 38-year-old father, 10-year-old child, and the 73-year-old grandmother arrived in the Emirates on 16 January and took the grandmother to a doctor with flu-like symptoms on 23 January, where it was discovered that the family was infected. The announcement led to a sell out of face masks across the UAE.On 31 January, the fifth case of coronavirus in the UAE was confirmed, in someone who had travelled from Wuhan to Dubai.
February 2020
On 8 February, the sixth and seventh cases, of Chinese and a 43-year-old Filipino, were confirmed.On 9 February, the first patient, a 73-year-old Chinese woman, was released after recovering.
On 10 February, the eighth case was confirmed to be an Indian expatriate who had interacted with a recently diagnosed person.
On 14 February, two more patients recovered and were discharged from the hospital. The two patients were a 41-year-old Chinese father and his eight-year-old boy.
On 16 February, the ninth case was confirmed to be a 37-year old Chinese man.
On 21 February, the tenth and eleventh case were confirmed to be a 34-year-old Filipino national and a 39-year-old Bangladeshi national who had contact with a Chinese national who had been diagnosed with the virus.
On 22 February, the government announced that two more people, a 70-year old Iranian visitor and his 64-year-old wife, have been diagnosed, taking the total to thirteen.
On 27 February, six more new cases were announced, including four Iranians, one Bahraini and one Chinese national. On the same day, it was announced that case 2, of the 36-year-old Chinese woman, and another 37-year-old Chinese person were discharged after recovering.
On 28 February, two Italian technicians visiting the country to participate in the UAE Tour, a top level cycling race, were tested positive. 612 people involved in the UAE Tour were quarantined in the homes and the W Abu Dhabi hotel and the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi hotel, both in Yas Island, and the two hotels were put on lockdown. The 612 people were all screened and the results were negative.
March 2020
On 1 March, six more people tested positive for the coronavirus in the UAE, the Ministry of Health and Prevention said, bringing the total number of infected persons to 27. The patients include two Russians, two Italians, a German and a Colombian citizen, who had been in contact with two Italian participants of the UAE Tour who tested positive for coronavirus at the weekend.On 3 March, a 16-year-old female Indian student in Dubai tested positive for the coronavirus after contracting it from her parent who came back after traveling abroad. The parent developed symptoms five days after returning to Dubai. Both the student and her family were quarantined.
On 5 March, the Ministry of Health and Prevention confirmed that a 17-year-old male Emirati student has tested positive for coronavirus and showed no symptoms of it. The student is now stable and is receiving necessary healthcare.
On 6 March, two Chinese patients recovered, bringing the total number of recovered cases in the UAE to seven. The two recoveries, a 38-year-old father and his 10-year-old child, were from the first family to contract the virus, and all members of the Chinese family are now virus-free. On the same day, it was announced that 15 cases of different nationalities have tested positive for the virus, taking to 45 the total infections in the country. 13 cases consisted of one individual each from Thailand, China, Morocco and India, two individuals each from Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Iran and three individuals from the UAE were detected through early reporting by individuals. All these cases arrived from abroad. Two cases, each from the UAE and Egypt, have been diagnosed with the virus by active surveillance system for being in close contact with confirmed cases announced previously in connection with the UAE Tour.
On 9 March, the UAE recorded 14 new cases, the Ministry of Health and Prevention said, bringing the total number of reported cases to 59. In a statement, the health ministry said the cases involve four Emiratis, three Italians, two Bangladeshis, two Nepalese, a Russian, an Indian and a Syrian national. On the same day, it was announced that two Emiratis, two Ethiopians and a Thai national recovered from the virus, bringing to 12 the total recovered cases in the country.
On 10 March, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday confirmed 15 new cases, bringing the total number of infected people in the country to 74. The 15 cases involve three Italians, two Emiratis, two from UK, two from Sri Lanka, two Indians, a German, a South African, a Tanzanian and an Iranian. On the same day, it was announced that five cases recovered, consisting for three Emiratis, one Egyptian and one Moroccan.
On 11 March, 11 new cases were announced, bring the total number of cases in the UAE to 85. The individuals were placed under quarantine as suspected cases subsequent to their entry into the UAE and following required testing and monitoring, the individuals were confirmed to be positive. The 11 individuals diagnosed include two Italians, two Filipinos, one Montenegrin, one Canadian, one German, one Pakistani, one Emirati, one Russian and one British citizen. On the same day, it was announced that a Bangladeshi, a Chinese, and an Italian person recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recovered cases in the country to 20.
On 15 March, 12 new cases were confirmed, bringing the total number of cases to 98. The patients are three Indians, and one each from the UAE, the Philippines, South Africa, Australia, China, Lebanon, the UK, Italy, and Iran.
On the same day, 3 people have recovered from the virus bringing the total number to 26, the people are two Emiratis and an Indian.
On 18 March, 15 new cases were announced, with the total number of infected people to 113. Patients are from Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Germany, USA, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Britain, and Spain.
On 19 March, UAE confirmed 27 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday along with 30 recoveries in total.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in UAE stands at 140, with five new cases including three Emiratis, one Syrian and one Sri Lankan.
On 20 March, the first two deaths were confirmed.
On 21 March, there were deaths of two patients with underlying health conditions.
On 22 March, there were seven recoveries, and 13 new cases.
On 23 March, UAE announces 45 new coronavirus cases. Total cases reported in the country are now 198. The government urged people to stay in their homes and only leave home for an emergency or for work, said Ministry of Interior.
On 24 March, four new recovery cases and 50 new cases were confirmed. These new cases were among individuals who had close contact with cases announced previously, as well as people who returned from abroad.
On 25 March, UAE announced 85 new cases, for a total of 333 infections in the country, with seven recoveries reported by the official spokesperson of the UAE health service. Seven people recovered, for a total of 52 recoveries. On the same day, 64 people were arrested for breaking home quarantine after they came in direct contact with people infected with the virus.
On 27 March, UAE 72 new cases and three recoveries were confirmed.
On 28 March, UAE on Saturday announced 63 new cases of COVID-19, raising the total of confirmed cases to 468.
On 29 March, UAE the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced 102 new cases, taking the total cases in the country to 570. The 102 new cases patients consisted of one person from New Zealand, Slovakia, Morocco, Greece, China, France, Germany, Algeria, Iraq, Colombia, Venezuela, and Poland. Two people from Brazil, Sweden, Australia, Ethiopia, Canada, Lebanon, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Portugal. Three people from Italy and Ireland. Six people from Egypt. Seven people from the UAE and the Philippines. 16 people from Britain. 30 people from India. On the same day, the three new recoveries were announced takes the total tally of recoveries to 58, and another person died from the virus, taking the toll to three in UAE, until March 29.
On 30 March, there were 41 new cases, for a total of 611. Two more deaths were announced, for a total of five, and there were three recoveries.
On 31 March, 53 new confirmed cases were announced, for a total of 664, and one death for a total of six.
April 2020
On 1 April, the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced 150 new coronavirus cases for a total of 814, with a total number of eight deaths from the virus.On 2 April, the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced 210 new cases for a total number of cases to 1,024, with 96 recoveries.
On 3 April, 240 new cases were announced for a total of 1,264, with 108 having fully recovered, and one patient having died.
On 4 April, the Ministry of Health and Prevention reported another 241 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of COVID-19 patients to 1,505.
On 5 April, the Ministry of Health and Prevention reported 294 new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in the country to 1,799. MoHAP also announced 19 new recoveries, taking the total number of recoveries to 144.
On 6 April, the Ministry of Health and Prevention reported another 277 new coronavirus cases of different nationalities, bringing the total number of cases of infection to 2076, with 11 deaths from the virus, and a total of 167 recovered patients.
On 7 April there were 283 new cases, for a total of 2,359. There were 186 recoveries and 12 deaths due to coronavirus.
On 8 April, 300 new cases and 53 new recoveries were announced, with the total number of cases standing at 2,659, with 239 recoveries.
On 9 April, there were 331 new coronavirus cases and two deaths, with a total of 14 deaths.
On 10 April, there were 370 new confirmed cases, for a total of 3,360. 150 patients recovered, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 418. There were two deaths from the virus, for a total of 16.
On 11 April, there were 376 new cases of coronavirus, for a total of 3,736. The total number of recoveries rose to 588. Four patients died of the virus, bringing the total number of deaths to 20.
On 13 April there were 398 new cases, and 172 new recoveries, for a total of 852.
On 14 April there were 412 new cases, for a total of 4,933. There were 81 new recoveries, for a total of 933.
On 15 April there were five deaths, and 432 new cases for a total of 5,365.
On 16 April there were two deaths, and 460 new cases for a total of 5,825. There were 61 new recoveries, for a total of 1,095.
On 17 April there were 477 new cases, for a total of 6,302. Two Emiratis died, and 93 patients recovered, for a total of 1,188 recoveries and 37 deaths.
On 19 April there were 479 new cases, for a total of 6,781. There were 98 new recoveries, for a total of 1,286, and 41 deaths.
On 20 April there were 484 new cases, for a total of 7,265. There were two deaths, taking the total to 43, and 74 recoveries, for a total of 1,360.
On 21 April there were 490 new cases, for a total of 7,755. There were three deaths, taking the total to 46, and 83 recoveries, for a total of 1,443.
On 22 April there were 483 new cases for a total of 8,238. 103 patients had recovered, for a total of 1,546. Six people died, bringing the number of deaths to 52.
On 23 April there were 525 new cases for a total of 9,281, 123 new recoveries for a total of 1,760, and eight deaths for a total of 64.
On 24 April there were 518 new cases among various nationalities. The total number of cases in the UAE reached 9,281.
On 25 April there were 532 new cases among various nationalities. The total number of cases in the UAE reached 9,813. Additionally, the total number of people recovered reached 1,887.
On 26 April there were 536 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 10,349. The government also announced the recovery of 91 additional cases.
On 27 April there were 490 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 10,839. The government also announced the recovery of 112 cases.
On 28 April there were 541 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 11,380. The government also announced the recovery of 91 cases.
On 29 April there were 549 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 11,929. The government also announced the recovery of 148 cases.
On 30 April there were 552 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 12,481. The government also announced the recovery of 100 cases.
May 2020
On 1 May there were 557 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 13,038. The government also announced the recovery of 114 cases.On 2 May there were 561 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 13,599. The government also announced the recovery of 121 cases.
On 3 May there were 564 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 14,163. The government also announced the recovery of 99 cases.
On 4 May there were 567 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 14,730. The government also announced the recovery of 203 cases.
On 5 May there were 462 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 15,192. The government also announced the recovery of 187 cases.
On 6 May there were 546 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 15,738. The government also announced the recovery of 206 cases.
On 7 May there were 502 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 16,240. The government also announced the recovery of 213 cases.
On 8 May there were 553 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 16,793. The government also announced the recovery of 265 cases.
On 9 May there were 624 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 17,417. The government also announced the recovery of 458 cases.
On 10 May there were 781 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 18,198. The government also announced the recovery of 509 cases.
On 11 May there were 680 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 18,878. The government also announced the recovery of 577 cases.
On 12 May there were 783 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 19,661. The government also announced the recovery of 631 cases.
On 13 May there were 725 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 20,384. The government also announced the recovery of 511 cases.
On 14 May there were 698 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 21,084. The government also announced the recovery of 407 cases.
On 15 May there were 747 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 21,831. The government also announced the recovery of 398 cases.
On 16 May there were 796 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 22,627. The government also announced the recovery of 603 cases.
On 17 May there were 796 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 23,358. The government also announced the recovery of 581 cases.
On 18 May there were 832 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 24,190. The government also announced the recovery of 1,065 cases. This marks the first day where the number of recoveries surpasses the number of new cases found.
On 19 May there were 873 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 25,063. The government also announced the recovery of 1,214 cases.
On 20 May there were 941 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 26,004. The government also announced the recovery of 1,018 cases.
On 21 May, There were 894 new cases bringing the total number of cases in UAE to 26,898. The government also announced the recovery of 946. The 4 new Deaths due to COVID-19 Were reported within UAE bringing the total number of deaths in UAE To 237.
On 22 May there were 994 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 27,892. The government also announced the recovery of 1,043 cases.
On 23 May there were 812 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 28,704. The government also announced the recovery of 697 cases.
On 24 May there were 781 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 29,485. The government also announced the recovery of 561 cases.
On 25 May there were 822 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 30,307. The government also announced the recovery of 601 cases.
On 26 May there were 779 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 31,086. The government also announced the recovery of 325 cases.
On 27 May there were 883 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 31,969. The government also announced the recovery of 389 cases.
On 28 May there were 563 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 32,532. The government also announced the recovery of 314 cases.
On 29 May there were 638 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 33,170. The government also announced the recovery of 412 cases.
On 30 May there were 726 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 33,896. The government also announced the recovery of 449 cases.
On 31 May there were 661 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 34,557. The government also announced the recovery of 386 cases.
June 2020
On 1 June there were 635 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 35,192. The government also announced the recovery of 406 cases, bringing the total number of recoveries to 18,339On 2 June there were 596 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 35,788. The government also announced the recovery of 388 cases, bringing the total number of recoveries to 18,726.
On 3 June there were 571 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 36,359. The government also announced the recovery of 427 cases, bringing the total number of recoveries to 19,153.
On 4 June there were 659 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 37,018. The government also announced the recovery of 419 cases, bringing the total number of recoveries to 19,572.
On 5 June there were 624 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 37,642. The government also announced the recovery of 765 cases, bringing the total number of recoveries to 20,337.
On 6 June there were 626 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 38,268. The government also announced the recovery of 724 cases, bringing the total number of recoveries to 21,061.
On 7 June there were 540 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 38,808. The government also announced the recovery of 745 cases, bringing the total number of recoveries to 21,806.
On 8 June there were 568 new cases bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 39,376. The government also announced the recovery of 469 cases, bringing the total number of recoveries to 22,275.
July 2020
Government responses
Aid and repatriation
On 4 March, by the request of their country's respective governments, 215 people stranded in Wuhan – from countries that include Syria, Iraq, Mauritania, Sudan, Brazil, Egypt, Yemen and Jordan – were flown to the UAE capital in a plane equipped with medical facilities.On 6 April, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, owner of the ExCeL London conference centre, turned the conference centre into a coronavirus hospital for up to 4,000 patients in the UK. Two planes were chartered by the government of the UAE authorities to bring 80 Emirati nationals home from the UK.
On 12 April, UAE announced its intent to arrange repatriation flights for Indians and other stranded citizens stranded in UAE and wishing to go back to their countries.
Curfew
On 26 March, the country imposed night curfew as disinfection in the country began. On 28 March, the country announced that curfews and disinfection would be extended until April 5.On March 31, Al Ras area, one of Dubai's densely populated areas that's home to the gold souk and museums, was placed under lock down for two weeks starting 31 March preventing all residents from leaving or entering the area.
On 4 April, a 24-hour curfew was imposed on Dubai, with stricter restrictions on movement imposed, which was reduced to 10-hours from 10:00 pm and 6:00 am starting April 24.
Economy
On 23 March, the government shut malls for two weeks. Fish, meat and vegetable markets also closed for a renewable period of two weeks. On 23 April, both Abu Dhabi and Dubai governments announced that some restrictions were being reduced in respect to mall closures with their respective economic departments stating that they were consulting with stakeholders in opening malls in line with government plans for a gradual increase in economic activity in the country. The types of shops allowed to reopen is very limited with regulations to not exceed 30% capacity at any time.Following the economic downfall of the coronavirus pandemic, the government of the United Arab Emirates in July 2020 announced a broad restructuring and merger of more than 50% of its federal agencies, including ministries and departments.
Education
On March 3, UAE's Ministry of Education announced that schools and universities across the country will close for a month starting Sunday, March 8, as part of efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus. Spring break, which originally begins on March 29, instead began on March 8 and lasted for two weeks. Distance learning was introduced during the remaining two weeks, with pupils learning from home. On 30 March, UAE announced that the 2-week online "distance learning" for schools and universities would continue until the end of the academic year in June.On 18 March, UAE advisory asking Emirati students abroad to immediately return if their university closes. On 24 March, UAE called for all Emirati students studying abroad to return within 48 hours.
Health
On 23 January, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai International Airport announced that travelers arriving directly from China would have their temperatures screened.The Dubai Health Authority directed all DHA-licensed hospitals to consider all suspected and confirmed cases as emergencies and patients are to be treated free of charge, including those without insurance. On 22 March, Dubai started a 11-day sterilisation campaign as an effort to contain the coronavirus. On 28 March, Abu Dhabi crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed announced that a new testing site has opened.
Religion
On March 16, prayers at Mosques and all other places of worship in the UAE have been suspended as of 9 pm as a precautionary measure against coronavirus. Tarawih prayers were not allowed during Ramadan, and the only prayer held in grand Mosques with an Imam and two people was broadcast daily for Muslims to watch at home. Also, several churches in the UAE had announced temporary closures and the suspension of Mass starting March 12.Telecommunication
On 24 March, TRA unblocks Skype for Business, Google Hangouts amid the coronavirus outbreak. The TRA explained that residents will now be able to use Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Blackboard, which are available on all networks in the country. Microsoft Skype for Business and Google Hangouts are compatible with fixed Internet networks.Transportation
Flights
On 22 March, Emirates announced that it will be suspending all passenger flights effective March 25 in response to the coronavirus, but will continue to operate cargo flights for essential goods. The government also suspended all passenger and transit flights. The suspension of flights will commence at 23:59 on Wednesday 25 March and will last for an initial 14 days, subject to further directives by the relevant authorities.On 1 April, Emirates SkyCargo suspended operations at the Al Maktoum International Airport and moved them to the Dubai International Airport.
Trams and metro
On 29 March, the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram were suspended until April 26.
Roads
On 27 March, Dubai lifted their ban on trucks weighting 2.5 tonnes. On 31 March, Abu Dhabi installed a disinfection gate at one of its bus stations. On 14 April, Inter-city bus services was suspended in Sharjah until further notice, and Dubai Municipality issued a circular restricting the movement of workers to other emirates; where the transport of labor workers to areas outside of Dubai will be prohibited, as movement will be restricted to the boundaries of the emirate, the purpose of which is to restrict the outside entry of workers not residing in Dubai, and to be implemented to date