Al Fursan, the UAE Air Force’s aerobatic display team, painted the skies over a number of Abu Dhabi hospitals on Sunday, in tribute to the healthcare frontliners who have been bravely fighting the pandemic.
Between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, the team flew over the Capital’s Al Rahba Hospital, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Zayed Military Hospital, Emirates Humanitarian City, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, and Al Ain Hospital – leaving their trails of UAE colours in the sky.
Al Fursan will be bringing their sky-high tribute show to the rest of the country in the next couple of days. The initiative aims to convey a message of gratitude from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the rest of the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces.
When the team flew by the SKMC, healthcare workers stepped out for a moment and waved miniature UAE flags in the air.
Dr Anwar Salam, chief medical officer at Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), said their medical teams and staff have been overwhelmed by the gesture and appreciation not only from the UAE Armed Forces, but the rest of the government and the community as well.
“It feels great being honoured and appreciated for the services we offer to the community,” he said.
“As a medical team – from doctors and health workers on the field and at hospitals to physicians in laboratories – we all complement each other. Teamwork has always been our strength and through working together, we have been able to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Dr Salam said the health sector has had the full support of the UAE government right from the beginning of the pandemic, boosting their strength and courage.
“The government expanded our hospital capacities and also created field hospitals to take care of Covid-19 patients. Then, the hospitals have been provided with the necessary medical supplies and equipment. At the end of the day, we have managed to overcome the Covid-19 challenges being faced by medics in other nations across the globe,” he added.
A health worker at Al Rahba hospital said the sky show was “very uplifting and heartwarming”.
“This shows that we are being appreciated and I would really like to thank the UAE Air Force’s aerobatics display team for the great honour. It gives me courage and much pride to be part of the team that has been on the frontlines during this pandemic.”
On Monday June 22, Al Fursan will fly over Al Dhafra Hospital in Madinat Zayed from 5.30pm.
On Tuesday June 23, they will be seen in Dubai skies, flying over the Kuwait Hospital, as well as in Sharjah over Al Kuwait Hospital. Then, they will paint skies over the Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital in Ajman, and in Umm Al Quwain’s field hospital.
