The UAE flew to the aid of eleven tourists left stranded on the Yemeni island of Socotra due to the coronavirus pandemic. The travellers - including citizens of the US, UK, Germany, France and South Africa - had embarked on a month-long visit to the scenic spot on March 11. But their return flights were cancelled after tight travel restrictions were subsequently imposed by governments around the world to limit the spread of Covid-19. Officials arranged to fly the group to the Emirates ahead of their repatriation to their home countries. "As part of our commitment to co-operating with countries working to combat the Covid-19 outbreak, the UAE has evacuated a number of foreign nationals from Socotra," said Khalid Abdullah Humaid Belhoul, undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. "The evacuated tourists landed in the UAE, where they are receiving the necessary healthcare to ensure their safety before flying back to their home countries. "This humanitarian initiative comes in response to a request by several countries and in line with the UAE’s policy of constructive co-operation with their respective governments. "The UAE is committed to supporting countries and people affected by the Covid-19 crisis and believes that the international community must come together to overcome this crisis."