If there’s been one key takeaway from the pandemic and the global crisis that followed, it has been to invest more in crisis management. Different governments have handled the situation in different ways and while some proved to be complete disasters, some have shined bright in the bleak times. One such example can be seen in the case of Dubai, which has emerged as a model for phased reopening.
So, what made Dubai’s approach so different? According to prominent restaurateur Sanjeev Nanda, it was the patience and restraint on the parts of both – the government and the people.
“There have been a great many cities across the globe, especially in European nations or the United States, where everything was reopened at one go. While it provided a much-needed respite to economic activities for a while, but it didn’t turn out to be a good idea in the long run,” he said.
“On the other hand, Dubai showed great restraint. It was a harder road to walk, but the people respected the regulations laid down by the government. The reopening of hotspots was done in a phased manner. So far, the authorities have done a spectacular job in curbing the spread of the disease while maintaining the economic and tourist activities, and vaccinating the residents. Both the government and the people of Dubai have set a great example for others to follow,” added Sanjeev Nanda.
The Dubai-based restaurateur and entrepreneur also pointed out that while the people are enjoying the reopening of marketplaces and other places of interest, it does not come at the expense of Covid-19 prevention rules. “As the economy of the UAE continues to bounce back, the confidence among the residents and business-owners is at an all-time high. The outlook of the people has been highly positive, and it will continue to remain so,” he said.
So, what does this entail for the hospitality sector in the Emirate? According to Sanjeev Nanda, as more and more people look forward to celebrating the freedom, the hospitality sector needs to ensure that these events do not add up to a renewed chain of the spread of infection. “Being a part of the restaurant business, I am elated at the phased reopening that took place over last few months. But at the same time, we need to be constantly on our toes,” he said.
Nanda continued, “The stricter and more cautious we are when it comes to disease prevention, the more it will help the economy to bounce back faster. The onus is now upon us to keep this fight against Covid-19 towards the right direction.”