Like many others in the UAE and abroad, I watched a video meeting between HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and a foreign nurse serving in the fight against the coronavirus threat.
We all know that the UAE’s wise leadership is based on a deep heritage of human and civilizational values. It was the values instilled by the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, that ensured that the humanitarian dimension dominated the State’ s domestic and foreign policy.
It has been many years since the country became the humanitarian capital of the world. The country has also been able to build a truly global model of coexistence, tolerance and acceptance of others.
What we have seen in this meeting is a reality experienced by the people of this good country, citizens and residents alike. The wise leadership has established the merit of work ethic. The efforts of all in productivity, work, and building an advanced country have been appreciated and respected.
In this exceptional meeting, leadership appears in its simplicity, its closeness to all without exception, and its respect for all trades and professionals. Everyone contributes to the security and defense of the UAE and its people and to the achievement of its development and strategic objectives.
The meeting was seen as an inspiring message from a leader who understands the efforts and responsibilities of a portion of the population dealing with the coronavirus epidemic. Nurses stand at the forefront in the face of danger, and sincerely bear the full responsibility for confronting the virus and supporting those affected on the road to recovery. Leaders with strategic awareness and deep vision understand that motivating human resources to perform their tasks effectively, especially in difficult times, is fundamental.
The meeting provided immense support to thousands of doctors and nurses working in public hospitals, encouraging them to pursue their humanitarian mission with the efficiency and perseverance that befits the UAE and its appreciation and respect for the human being. “When Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan appreciated my efforts, I felt that he appreciated the efforts of all nurses who sow hope,” said the Filipino nurse. “The words of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and my fellow nurses inspired me and my fellow nurses to spread hope among patients and the community at large. We nurses felt like heroes,” she continued.
The role of leadership in such junctures is extremely relevant, as it is entrusted with spreading messages of hope and motivating people to see the light at the end of the tunnel and to spur energies and efforts, including targeted appeals to specific segments working in crisis situations such as ours.
These profound humanitarian attitudes are not accidental. Demonstrating the appreciation and respect of leaders for crisis responders in the field who threaten health or other security, regardless of their nationality, makes a real impact on social cohesion and on building loyalty and commitment not only among citizens, but among the general population across all nationalities.
The UAE pays special attention and respect to all those who have contributed to the development, building and aspirations of the leadership and the public. The Emirates has always been the land of humanity, the homeland of values, principles and respect for human beings. Such attitudes make it the right place to be for all those dreaming of a decent life.
