COVID-19: DIFC supports businesses in the UAE
As the effects of COVID-19 continues to impact the UAE, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) reinforces its commitment to providing support.
Being one of the leading international financial hubs in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) reinforces its commitments to support the UAE government’s efforts to protect citizens from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to COVID-19, DIFC is following mandatory directives from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the guidelines issued by other relevant Government Authorities and World Health Organisation (WHO).
DIFC continues to monitor the evolution of the situation and is implementing precautionary measures in response to protect the health and safety of its employees, tenants and DIFC community.
In addition, DIFC — in line with government directives — temporarily suspended all non essential retail outlets, the suspensions excluded pharmacies, groceries and supermarkets to ensure essential medical and food supplies remain available to the community. Restaurants and cafes are closed to customers, being limited to takeaway deliveries. The DIFC mosque, prayer facilities and areas of worship have also been temporarily closed in line with government guidance.
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To further prevent the spread, DIFC has begun streaming webinars and is planning a series of virtual business, community and lifestyle events in an effort to avoid mass gatherings. In addition the organisation is utilising digital channels to maintain live connectivity with service desks, and allowing workers to conduct business remotely.
To align with Dubai’s economic stimulus programme DIFC will introduce a number of fiscal easing initiatives over the next three months to help protect the financial services industry and all businesses operating in the Centre.
“The wellbeing of our community is of utmost importance. We are working continually to ensure all health and safety measures are implemented swiftly and effectively as directed by the relevant Government authorities. We also ensure business operations operate with minimal disruption through our online services and virtual meetings that keep us connected globally,” commented Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority.
“We are actively working to provide the best possible environment for businesses to continue operating seamlessly. Our stimulus package aims to alleviate the tremendous burden COVID-19 has on our clients, industry and economy. We are grateful for the commitment of our long standing partners, clients and community who have been working together during these challenging times.”
To find out more about the DIFC’s initiatives visit its Business Stimulus Initiatives page. For more information on business topics in the Middle East, please take a look at the latest edition of Business Chief EMEA. Follow Business Chief on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Originally published at https://middleeast.businesschief.com.
