UAE creates bonus scheme for critical workers during crises

The UAE Cabinet has agreed to form a bonus scheme for vital sector workers during times of crisis.

The system includes criteria and a means of distribution to ensure critical staff are compensated for their important work amid emergency situations, such as the Covid-19 outbreak.

"It is our duty to appreciate everyone who contributed and participated in bearing the burdens with us during the crisis," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who chaired the meeting on Sunday.

"We say to everyone that the best is always to come in the Emirates."

During the meeting, the cabinet members also established a national online payments company that will be responsible for providing safe, secure and fast digital payment services to all sectors.

"Our national digital economy is evolving and our institutions are keeping pace," Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

Recently, the cabinet has focussed on making decisions that will prepare the country for life after Covid-19 is no longer a threat.

Some of those changes will be at a government level, while others will effect how business is conducted. The cabinet is also working to identify in which sectors investments should be made going forward to prepare the country for potential future crises.

On Saturday, Sheikh Mohammed spoke again about the changes that need to be made in government, specifically the need to regulate involvement in businesses.

"As life continues to return to our vital sectors ... we decided to develop a governance for the board of directors at a federal level. This aims to establish transparency, avoid conflicts of interests of the board members with the company's activity and with that of other companies, and strengthen the mechanisms of control and organisation," he said.