UAE forms Covid-19 recovery committee to boost economy

Committee to co-ordinate the country's recovery from the widespread economic effects of the pandemic

A boy wearing a face mask takes his dogs on a stroll on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A Covid-19 safety sign on Al Qahirah street in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Checkers line up at the entrance of Global Village with masks and face shields. Reem Mohammed / The National

Abu Dhabi residents on their Friday morning fitness ritual. Victor Besa / The National

Bridal facemask at Contessa Bridal Dubai in City Walk in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An employee at The Meydan Hotel in Dubai sanitises the reception area to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lifeguard at The Meydan Hotel with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Hygiene and Covid-19 safety measures take place at a fitness class at Bare. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady works on her laptop while wearing a mask at Times Square in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

People wear masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Satwa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Coronavirus safety measures are taken at 815 Dance & Performing Arts Training Centre in Silicone Oasis in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady takes part in an art installation which comes to life via augmented reality with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE formed a new committee, tasked with leading the country's economic recovery post-pandemic, on Saturday.

The National Covid-19 Crisis Recovery Management and Governance Committee must develop support programmes for businesses and industries to aid in the country's efficient financial recovery.

This will involve developing a strategic plan that sets out roles, responsibilities and key strategic and operational performance indicators with the end goal of ensuring a safe return to normalcy across society, reported state news agency Wam. Part of this will include identifying the financial and economic resources required for supporting the recovery phase.

It was formed by the Supreme Committee for Covid-19 Crisis Management and will be chaired by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. Its members include government officials that represent a variety of ministries and federal departments.

The committee will set out key performance indicators for each sector, as part of the "post-Covid-19 phase", to monitor the recovery of businesses and government sectors.

Its responsibilities also include establishing an electronic data link for digital indicator-based statistics.

While developing the strategic recovery plan, the committee will focus on consolidating the UAE's strengths and competitive advantages to ensure the security and sustainability of vital sectors, including food security, energy and pharmaceuticals.

The committee must also support promising sectors that have significant growth prospects in the post-Covid-19 phase, including advanced technologies, healthcare, telecoms and logistical services.

One of its goals will be to meet domestic demand by boosting local value-added content in a way that supports SMEs.

The UAE leads Arab nations and ranks 37th globally in the Covid-19 Economic Recovery Index Ranking, developed by the Horizon Research Group.