No coronavirus cases have been confirmed among a total 1,251
Emirati students learning in universities overseas, according to Dr. Ahmed bin
Abdullah Hamid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and
Advanced Skills.
Al Falasi made the statement in response to the reported novel
coronavirus outbreak all over the world, and the state of emergency declared by
some countries.
"We affirm that there are no reported infection cases among
our students learning in various countries all over the world due to the
coronavirus outbreak. We have contacted our consulates and attachés in many
international capitals and cities where Emirati students are studying, to
maintain ongoing coordination and the daily monitoring of their health status
and the impact of current conditions on their studies," Al Falasi said.
"We are also communicating with official authorities and
academic institutions in countries concerned to follow up the developments and
decisions affecting our students, to undertake all relevant measures that will
guarantee their safety. We also are communicating directly with the students to
ensure that they are in a stable condition, meet their needs, and inform them
of the health instructions that must be followed," he added.
"We encourage Emirati students abroad to take all needed
precautions and follow health and safety guidelines announced by the countries
where they are staying," he said.
Al Falasi also noted that his ministry has published several
instructions for Emirati students abroad, most notably to avoid crowded places
and postpone unnecessary travel. He thanked the consulate officials for
ensuring the safety of Emirati students and citizens abroad.
The minister praised the UAE’s role in preventing the spread of
coronavirus outbreak inside the country and around the world, noting that there
are 1,251 Emirati students studying in 16 countries, 642 of whom are in UK, 327
in the US, 120 in Australia, and 26 in Canada, along with other countries.
10/03/2020