UAE frontline staff granted free access to Qasr Al Hosn and Louvre Abu Dhabi

The offer is part of a government initiative to recognise their efforts during the pandemic

Louvre Abu Dhabi is open to the public with social distancing measures in place. Hufton + Crow   

Those on the frontline in the fight against the coronavirus will now be granted free access to two popular Abu Dhabi cultural sites.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will provide free entry to Qasr Al Hosn and Louvre Abu Dhabi to medical and non-medical professionals and volunteers in recognition of their efforts.

Staring from Wednesday, October 21, the offer is available for six months and includes up to three guests.

In this announcement, Saood Al Hosani, undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism, acknowledged the relentless work of frontline workers and said the free visits were a way to encourage self-care.

“Art and medicine are linked by a shared higher purpose: the betterment of humanity,” she said. “Many of our hardworking physicians, nurses, sterilisation specialists and other frontline professionals and volunteers have barely had a chance to slow down for the past eight months.

“To thank them for their dedication, it is our pleasure to offer complimentary access to two of DCT Abu Dhabi’s most spectacular cultural assets, as a way of encouraging them to take some time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with their creative sides.”

The news is the latest gesture by UAE authorities to highlight the work of frontline staff, who have been described as “heroes”.

Last month, the government enrolled more than 80,000 essential, frontline workers in a programme to provide them with professional, psychological and financial support.

This includes mental health services, discounts, schooling as well as benefits for essential workers’ families.

The initiative is overseen by the Frontline Heroes Office, set up by President Sheikh Khalifa in July and operating under the direction of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Chairman of the Frontline Heroes Office, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon said it was imperative for the country to pay tribute to their efforts “and to ensure we are providing our frontline professionals and their families with the same level of protection and support they offer us.”