Sheikh Mohammed on first day of returning to work: 'Fulfilling achievements will never stop'

Dubai: The UAE Cabinet held a virtual meeting on Sunday, which was the first day private and government offices had returned to work at respective 50 and 30 per cent capacities.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the meeting and affirmed that the UAE had entered a new stage in the gradual resumption of economic life.

“Everyone is responsible and all institutions and sectors are involved in protecting their personnel,” said Sheikh Mohammed. “The healthcare sector will remain a priority and responsibility and resuming the economic activity is a strategic necessity,” the Dubai Ruler added.

“Our message to everyone is that life will go on and fulfilling achievements will never stop. We have been made stronger, better and faster by what we have gone through in the past few months. The next period needs a fresh spirit, thought and a more dynamic and smarter workstyle,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

The UAE will continue serve everyone, and will spare no effort to achieve its vision and ultimate goal of becoming one of the best countries in the world in line its Centennial Plan, the Dubai Ruler underlined, adding that he directed all concerned bodies to implement the post-COVID-19 strategy.

During the meeting, the Cabinet approved a number of decisions, initiatives and policies including one to educate young people about the basics of building a home, to provide youth with all necessary information on how to apply for a grant or loan from a government housing entity, in addition to the eligibility criteria.

The cabinet also approved a decision to amend the schedule of charitable bodies permitted to recover input tax, to ensure that these foundations perform their social and humanitarian tasks without additional burdens.

The council of ministers also ordered concerned authorities to study government and judicial services, and approved the setting up of a team to improve government services and enhance efforts to access integrated online services.

The UAE ministers have also issued directives to study the societal culture in light of COVID-19 implications, and approved the formation of a team to define a set of values, ethics and behaviours for the UAE community of citizens and residents to deal with the current crisis, and publish targeted and positive media content that support government approaches at the current stage, in addition to preparing cultural programmes.

The cabinet also set up a third team to develop an integrated system that harnesses the efforts of volunteers, citizens and residents in the country, in addition to another team to study and harness resources and develop the online communication sector.

Also approved was a decision to suspend the administrative fine regarding bank guarantees or guarantees provided by media practitioners, as part of the ongoing incentive initiatives undertaken by the government to enhance economic growth in the country, and ensure economic competitiveness.