The other face of the pandemic

Abdullah Abdel Karim

(An Emirati writer)

In the business world, the term “uncertainty” has become popular in use, precisely since the global financial crisis of 2007-2008.

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic about two years ago has led to a huge increase in economic uncertainty about the future, despite the tax relief packages and incentives provided by many governments around the world to support struggling businesses and encourage the economic growth.

The health challenges posed by the pandemic continue to hit the global economies adversely.

The current Covid-19 crisis is the greatest challenge facing the world. In the medium term, the global economy will be threatened by the knock-on effects of the pandemic.

In light of this, economic recovery hinges on a faster and more effective vaccination rollout across the world.

It is true that the coronavirus crisis continues to have its adverse impact on the global economy, but it has also given us an opportunity to deal properly with economic variables on the level of governments and individuals. There is a significant change in consumer behaviours across countries. Now, consumers intend to continue shifting their spending to essentials while cutting back on luxury items.

The Covid-19 pandemic has two faces. It is not only a global health crisis, it is also a cataylst for reimagining the way we want to live going forward. From economic systems to sustainable development, decisionmakers have an opportunity to move away from the status quo and make positive changes for the benefit of mankind.

The pandemic has demonstrated our determination and ability to hack new ways to live with a less -face-to-face contact, and to take prompt decisions to adapt to the new normal. This is the other face of the crisis.

Do not fall captiveto your sorrow at times of mishap. You can only learn patience and resilience at times of setbacks. Life has two sides; light and dark, joy and sorrow. Look at both and make a balance to fully experience a full and well-rounded life. Let’s leave the last word with the English writer Samuel Johnson, who said: “Adversity leads us to think properly of our state, and so is most beneficial to us.”