Dubai: A viral photo circulating on social networking sites in the UAE, edited to show a 'before and after' view of the Dubai Creek's operations due to the new coronavirus, has been rubbished by authorities.
Dubai Media Office has published a new video to dispel claims that maritime trade along Dubai Creek was affected by the novel coronavirus.
On Saturday night, the media office announced that the two main ports in Dubai – Deira Wharfage and Al Hamriyah Port – are unaffected by the outbreak, and assured that precautionary measures are in place to ensure the safety of personnel working on ships and boats arriving to Dubai.
“Deira Wharfage and Al Hamriyah Port are two of the main ports in Dubai. Part of Dubai’s maritime trade passes through Deira Wharfage and Al Hamriya Port. With the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 around the world, authorities in Dubai have taken precautionary measures at all ports to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors,” announced Dubai Media Office.
“Measures include thermal screening and lab tests to ensure the safety of personnel working on ships and boats arriving at Dubai. Competent medical staff carry out procedures using advanced medical equipment,” it said.
During the weekend a photograph, edited to show a 'before and after' view of the creek and its operations, was widely circulated across UAE social media that claimed all dhows have been shifted from Deira Creek as part of the authorities’ measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In reality, Dubai’s maritime trade was business as usual with scores of dhows and boats making their way through the Creek.
In 2018, Dubai external trade through the Dubai Creek made Dh14.54 billion, including Dh13 billion in re-exports, Dh1.246 billion in exports, and Dh328 billion in imports, according to Dubai Customs.
