ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates has identified 80,000 frontline professionals and volunteers who will be eligible for upcoming support services as part of efforts to recognize their role in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

The recently established Frontline Heroes Office created the registry to provide a “detailed national picture of all those who serve on the front line against COVID-19,” reported the official Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The registry aims to support these frontline workers and their families by allowing support services and programs to target those in need.

“Our frontline heroes make the choice every day to put their own health and well-being at risk to protect the lives of people across our nation,” Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon, chairman of the Frontline Heroes Office, was quoted by WAM as saying.

“We owe it to them to recognize their heroic efforts and ensure we are providing our frontline professionals and their families with the same level of protection and support they offer us,” he added.

The 80,000 people identified as frontline workers include medical staff, essential service providers, humanitarian agencies, police, and volunteers.

The Frontline Heroes Office’s support programs will be announced and implemented in the next weeks, WAM added.

Meanwhile, the Frontline Heroes Office surveyed almost 8,000 UAE healthcare staff to assess their challenges and work out how best to support them.

The majority — 85 percent — said they were satisfied with their jobs overall, with 86 percent saying they were satisfied with the quality of infrastructure and resources available.

A higher number of staff — 95 percent — said they approved of the government’s overall handling of the COVID-19 outbreak. — SG