Abdulla bin Mohamed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), on Saturday, addressed the launch of "UAE Innovates 2021". Speaking at the occasion, Al Hamed asserted that Abu Dhabi has embarked on a unique journey in its fight against the COVID-19 crisis.

"As COVID-19 ravaged the entire world, Abu Dhabi has embarked on a unique journey to fight the pandemic, one that knew neither despair nor the impossible, and continued without halt or rest," he said.

Al Hamed added that Abu Dhabi created new opportunities and achievements with every challenge and obstacle in the management of the pandemic crisis. Innovative solutions were developed to safeguard the health and safety of all members of the community and ensure easy access to state-of-the-art healthcare services when in need, Al Hamed added.

The DoH Chairman also affirmed that the unprecedented pandemic circumstances also accelerated Abu Dhabi's digital health journey in providing innovative solutions and technological tools to mitigate all forms of risks and protect the members of the community.

"The journey has flourished with the launch of different applications providing telemedicine consultations, options on where to get COVID-19 tests, viewing test results, tracing contacts, and providing guidance through the home quarantine period," Al Hamed added.

He affirmed the UAE adopted innovative healthcare solutions that served as crucial pillars of development and prosperity across all fields in the fight against the pandemic.

Al Hamed further hailed the wise leadership of the UAE and their forward-looking vision which helped the country move forward towards establishing the approach of innovation as a way of life for all members of the community.