HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Photo: Twitter
Ensuring that critical staff is compensated for the high-risk work they have done following the onset of Covid-19, the UAE Cabinet has agreed to form a bonus scheme remunerating those working under the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Synonymous to hazard pay in other parts of the world, the compensation will be limited to medical staff only, in a bid to compensate them for the pivotal role they have played, and continue to play in fighting against the coronavirus pandemic.
وأقررنا اليوم نظاماً ومعايير لتحديد صرف المكافآت للعاملين في الوظائف الحيوية خلال الأوقات الطارئة .. التقدير واجب لكل من ساهم وشارك في تحمل الأعباء معنا خلال الأزمة … ونقول للجميع القادم دائماً أفضل في دولة الإمارات .. pic.twitter.com/BdZheQ53zG
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) June 14, 2020
In a tweet posted to his account, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai noted that the cabinet’s decision was largely based on the government’s desire to “serve both Emirati’s and residents” in a bid to “build a bright future for our young generations.”
Following the cabinet meeting on Sunday, from which the decision was conceived, Sheikh Mohammed expressed his support for critical workers of the pandemic, saying “it is our duty to appreciate everyone who contributed and participated in bearing the burdens with us during the crisis.”
While full criteria for eligibility is yet to be released, one factor that has been determined is linked to time spent working under emergency conditions. According to the new scheme, eligible recipients will have spent no less than two months in their critical roles.
Other topics that were discussed in the cabinet meeting included maintaining safe and secure systems that encourage a healthy change in the economy. Noting his pride in the UAE community for supporting the government and showing great societal awareness, Sheikh Mohammed further elaborated on his stance regarding new working practices saying “work in the UAE Government will continue from the field and remotely. We embrace the evolution of work practices to maintain leadership and we will adopt innovative systems and tools.”
Furthermore, on the topic of education, the Cabinet also approved the formation of a management committee for the Education Support Fund, under the chairmanship of Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education. Supporting community development programs by providing additional financial resources, the fund will encourage a deeper and more comprehensive foray into community development, giving all members of the public access to high-quality education and training services through an integrated system of private and public companies.
Read More: HH Sheikh Mohammed Has Launched a New YouTube Series
