Today's Edition
KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI)
In its latest advisory, the UAE has assured residents of public safety, saying they may resume normal activities while taking necessary precautions amid regional developments. It was a message that brought relief to many as they go about their day, spending the weekend with family.
On Sunday, residents received an alert from the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), thanking everyone for their cooperation and reassuring them that “the situation is currently safe”.
The notification, sent to mobile devices, read: “Thank you for your cooperation. We would like to reassure you that the situation is currently safe, and you may resume your normal activities while continuing to remain cautious and take necessary precautions. (NCEMA).”
Longtime resident Freya Jaffar received the message in the afternoon and said it provided “huge relief,” reaffirming the confidence she has in the UAE.
“It was a comforting message. It almost felt like a message from a parent assuring their children, ‘Don’t worry, it’s going to be okay,’” said Jaffar, who has been living in Abu Dhabi for 17 years.
“We are lucky to be in a country like the UAE at a time like this. As a longtime expat, I truly felt how the country cares for us like an extended family. You feel like you’re one of their own and that they will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”
Jaffar said she and her family were at ease on Saturday night when they received the shelter advisory, knowing “full well the UAE had the situation under control”.
“My children and I stayed in the TV room and just followed instructions to stay away from doors, windows, and open areas. We spent time together, shared stories, and even had a few laughs while watching shows,” she told Aletihad.
Joy Tongawan, a new expat in the UAE, was also reassured after receiving the latest message.
“I felt much safer when I got the message. That was exactly the kind of update my family and I had been hoping for. I can confidently do the errands I scheduled for the day,” said Tongawan, who lives in Abu Dhabi’s Al Nahyan area.
The message of reassurance followed the timely shelter advisories that were also pushed out as mobile notifications, keeping residents informed throughout the situation.
