WATCH: #StayHome Residents Sing UAE National Anthem in Support of Frontliners

WATCH: #StayHome Residents Sing UAE National Anthem in Support of Frontliners

Citizens and expats alike on Thursday night (March 26) threw their support for the medical community and heroes of the national sanitization program by singing the UAE national anthem from their balconies.

The inspirational moment was caught on video and is now going viral on social media. 

WATCH: #StayHome Residents Sing UAE National Anthem in Support of Frontliners
Image: Dubai Media Office

UAE Residents Sing National Anthem to Hail Heroes of War Against Coronavirus 

Jaber Al Lamki, the executive director of media and strategic communications, National Media Council posted the video on his Twitter feed stating, “There are moments in life when you try to express your feelings of pride but you can’t! This video does it nicely #Solidarity #Discipline and #Respect. Thank you to #MyUAE community for singing the national anthem with us to cheer up the heroes on the streets #StayHome.“, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times. 

Hundreds of residents can be heard singing the UAE national anthem and cheering loudly in the video.

In an effort to contain the spread of the pandemic, the UAE government launched a nationwide sanitization program that kickstarted at 8 pm on Thursday, March 26.

The three-day initiative will provide public sanitation services in the emirate, which will temporarily restrict the movement of the people in the city in observance of the following guidelines:

  • Everyone is not allowed to step out of their home unless absolutely necessary. Violators will be jailed and/or fined.
  • Public transport will be suspended during this period.
  • Taxis and private transport will be allowed, but authorities will ensure that those stepping out have a genuine reason to do so.
  • Traffic movement will be restricted.
  • Unless it is for buying food or medicines, residents must not step out.
  • Supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open, but the number of people allowed inside at a time will be restricted. Dubai Economy had earlier directed these outlets to take just 30% of their capacity.
  • Those working in some vital sectors can step out, but authorities will check their IDs. These sectors are energy, communications, health, education, security and the police, military, postal, shipping, pharmaceuticals, water and food sector, civil aviation, airports, financial and banking, public media and the services sector, which includes gas stations and construction projects.
  • Gatherings are not allowed. This includes family gatherings, desert outings, etc.
  • Communicate with your loved ones with phones or through social media. 

Similarly, on March 25 (Wednesday), residents in Dubai’s JBR came out from their balconies to cheer for the city’s front line of defense, the heroes who work tirelessly risk themselves and combat the spread of the outbreak in the city.

Here is the video shared by the Dubai Media Office:  

In a related report shared by the National, during the first few days of the sterilization program, motorways were almost completely emptied, supermarkets deserted and shops shuttered as residents in cities across the Emirates stayed home to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

During this time, municipal staff filled canisters with chemicals and vehicles directed large pipes that hosed down alleys, pavements, shop entrances, parks, and bus stops to disinfect the areas where there are usually filled with people and regular activities.

ALSO READ: RTA Dubai Disinfects Dubai Metro Trains, Trams, Buses, and Taxis