Care, Compassion and Community

Only a few weeks ago the warm winter weekends were spent taking lunch with friends and family on the Majaz Waterfront and our wonderful parks and fairgrounds were filled with the sound of children’s laughter. Our nation was abuzz with the prospect of EXPO 2020 and in January, Shurooq hosted the world’s largest arts and entertainment Fringe Festival. How quickly our lives have changed. 

The meandering streets of the Heart of Sharjah now remain silent, our airports are eerily quiet and we’re working remotely from our homes. Despite this extraordinary turnaround, I believe that we will come through this crisis stronger than before. Not only will the streets fill with laughter again, but we will be wiser and kinder. 

I believe this because this pandemic is holding a mirror to our collective faces. If we look deep into that mirror, we can see the very best – and worst – of humanity staring back at us. And, there is much to learn. We can see how the lonely, elderly and fragile amongst us are suffering the most – and in the midst of this crisis we have already shown that we can step up and look after those we might previously have failed to stop and say hello to. 

And, we should all take strength and inspiration from our national leaders who have shown such compassion as the pandemic has unfolded. It will be a great comfort for many to hear the wise words of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed this week: “I ask you all to arm yourselves with positivity and optimism in the face of all challenges. Challenges are opportunities for success. Our fathers & forefathers faced many challenges with patience, hope & optimism. Let us today take their lead and make their attitudes our example.”

And, it is especially heartwarming to hear His Highness reassure us that: “All levels of leadership in government are following with interest and gratitude the efforts of the people involved in the battle against COVID-19.”

In Sharjah, we have seen the very best of the milk of human kindness with more than 560 volunteers registering at the Volunteer Centre at the Department of Social Services (DSSS) to join forces in waging the war against coronavirus. We have also seen the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) partner with Sharjah Charity International and VeggiTech to create a contactless delivery service, taking over 6,200 kgs of highly nutritious fresh organic food to families most in need of support. This is one of many measures being taken to help families adopt a healthy, immune-boosting diet while staying at home. 

The coming together of communities in this way – the selfless acts of the many to help the most vulnerable in society - reflects the goodness that prevails in our nation and around the world, even during times of crisis. 

We can also see how the selfless work of nurses and doctors across the UAE is saving lives. Their bravery in working extremely long hours to combat a virus that we still know very little about is honourable. I believe that staying at home – to protect our brave frontline medical professionals and save lives - is a moral duty. And, that’s why it is especially sad to see a tiny minority making fun at the pandemic on social media, going out for a run or laughing at the police – the very people who are here to protect us. 

That mirror of reflection also tells a story about hope. Millions of people around the world live alone – either ambitious young professionals in fast-paced cities or grandparents that rarely see their children and grandchildren. Their isolation and mental health are now a concern for all of us as we seek to welcome them back into our arms. This is a time to reach out to colleagues who live alone or parents and grandparents overseas who we miss and love. Technology means we can do this – and we can see the smile our call brings to their faces. 

The greatest lesson is one of community and togetherness. When I look across my hometown of Sharjah, I see more than a city of business and industry. I see a place that has protected its cultural, social and family values as it has evolved. I give thanks that we have found time and space to celebrate who we are as a people – to cherish our quiet open spaces, our focus on family and spirituality. These are important qualities because they provide a platform for togetherness and community spirit. 

More than ever, we need that spirit in our communities – and our hearts.