Video: Salman Khan has a message for Abu Dhabi residents amid Covid-19 crisis

The Abu Dhabi Media Office tweeted a pre-recorded video message from Bollywood star Salman Khan intended for residents of the emirate on Monday, May 18.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office tweet read: “ ‘Be champions, do the right thing.’ The famous star Salman Khan, who has filmed many films in Abu Dhabi, appeals to the Indian community to seize the generosity and humanity of the government and people of Abu Dhabi, and to cooperate with them by adhering to the instructions of the relevant authorities and conducting tests when any symptoms of the Covid-19 infection appears.”

The video begins with Salman Khan introducing himself against a backdrop of images of the city. He says: “The time has come for everyone to be a hero. Abu Dhabi is a very beautiful place and I love it a lot. I have shot many movies there. I have stayed in Abu Dhabi many times. The people in Abu Dhabi are very nice and considerate to everyone. I am aware, at this time, that they won’t abandon you. Instead, they will be there for you at this difficult time.”

“كونوا أبطالاً، وقوموا بالعمل الصائب”
النجم الشهير سلمان خان، والذي صور أفلاماً عديدة في أبوظبي، يناشد الجالية الهندية باغتنام كرم وإنسانية حكومة وشعب أبوظبي، والتعاون معها من خلال الالتزام بتعليمات الجهات المعنية وإجراء الفحوصات عند ظهور أي عوارض الإصابة بفيروس كوفيد-19. pic.twitter.com/PVfaWg2j4z

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) May 17, 2020

Alongside image of supermarkets and people purchasing essentials, Salman Khan reinforces the message of staying home. “Please stay at home and only go out if absolutely necessary. This is not a time to meet your family and friends. Stay home. This is a very critical stage when you must stay at home and keep your family safe. Please stay united, be careful and be patient.”

The video with English subtitles segues into images of people undergoing nasal swab tests for Covid-19 at a screening centre at Mussafah in Abu Dhabi. “If you are in Abu Dhabi and you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing please go to the nearest medical centre and get yourself tested. I am aware that in Abu Dhabi testing and treatment is available to everyone. God forbid you test positive, you shall be taken care of and this way you will help to prevent the spread,” adds Salman.

With images of disinfection drives being carried out in the emirate, he concludes saying: “Do the right thing like heroes do.”

The UAE reported 731 new Covid-19 infections on May 17, taking the total number of recorded cases in the country up to 23,358.

Read: GCC Covid-19 update: UAE reports 731 cases, Saudi registers 2,736 infections

While 220 people have died as a result of the infection, there are 8,512 individuals who have made a full recovery after contracting the virus.