Covid-19 issue UAE
The Covid-19 pandemic has meanwhile worldwide influenced almost everybodies daily life. Of course that can also be found back in philately. There are already several countries with issues that refer to the Covid-19 virus outbreak and the fight against it.
Interesting for us is the issue of the United Arabic Emirates (UAE), the group of 7 emirates lying in the corner between Oman and Saudi Arabia:
Abu Dhabi (main emirate), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Qaywayn, Ras al‑Khaimah and Fujairah.
On this souvenir sheet with 1 stamp we see a large number of people who all in their own way have a relation with the Covid virus.
In the lower right corner of the stamp a courier on a scooter, probably on his way to bring research material or test samples to a laboratory.
On the sheet margin some images of buildings in the UAE, with on the left the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the skyscraper with a height of 828 metres which is from the opening until now (June 2020) the highest building in the world.
The theme of this block is "#ThankYouHeroes". Emirates post itself have written the following elucidation to it:
Healthcare professionals, front-line staff and first responders have been leading the charge in the fight against COVID-19, risking their lives and health to protect ours. In tribute, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has launched #ThankYouHeroes – a campaign designed to pay homage and respect to those serving on the front-line. Following his lead, Emirates Post has launched a souvenir sheet to celebrate and salute our valiant defenders. The souvenir sheet will serve as a permanent reminder of the tremendous efforts of these brave men and women.
The design of the souvenir sheet showcases those in the essential services – the medical and healthcare teams (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians), civil defence, police, sterilization teams, media, volunteers, as well as courier and delivery personnel. All of them are working day and night, and as a result, have made our lives easier and safer during this crisis.
The souvenir sheet is a small step towards repaying the immense debt of gratitude we owe towards these heroes. Proceeds from the sale of this souvenir sheet will be donated in support of COVID-19 relief efforts and equally divided between Emirates Red Crescent’s “Fund of the UAE: Homeland of Humanity”, and Emirates Post’s internal “COVID-19 Employee Relief Fund” set up to support our frontliners affected by the pandemic.
From everyone at Emirates Post, we #ThankYouHeroes
The sheet of 120 x 80 mm has a value of 19 A.E. Dirham, which equals 4.60 euro. It has been issued on 10 May 2020 in an edition of 55000. Next to that an FDC has been made in an edition of 3000 pieces, with on the envelop a slightly bigger image of the Covid-19 fighters and the slogan in English and Arabic:
Nice to see that in Arabic the number sign (#) stays on the right of the slogan instead of on the left, of course because Arabic script is read from right to left.
Paul Essens
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