ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates announced Thursday that it had donated $10 million worth of PCR COVID-19 testing kits sufficient for 500,000 people to the World Health Organization. The donation of the testing kits supports global efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in light of the scarcity of testing supplies in several countries. To date, the UAE has responded to the COVID-19 crisis by providing over 714 tons of medical aid to 63 countries in need. UAE donation to boost PPE production in UK The UAE has donated 6.6 tons of material to the United Kingdom that will enable the country to produce millions of items of personal protective equipment, PPE. The shipment arrived at Heathrow Airport on a special chartered flight on Friday morning and was made up of 6.6 tons of melt blown fabric, an essential component of surgical face masks. There is currently a global shortage of the material and its export is restricted from the UAE. This single consignment will enable the UK to manufacture millions of facemasks. The UAE Ambassador to the UK, Mansoor Abulhoul, said: "We are delighted to be able to assist Britain, one of our closest friends and allies. The UAE is committed to helping fight COVID-19 wherever it can and has donated aid to 63 countries around the world." The UAE was able to supply the material because of its internationally-recognized success in curbing the spread of COVID-19. Soon after the virus emerged the UAE retooled factories to produce PPE. It also introduced one of the world’s most comprehensive testing and tracking regimes — the UAE has so far tested 2 million people, and intends to test nearly all 9 million citizens and residents. Careful supply chain management also meant the UAE did not exhaust domestic supplies of melt blown fabric, which is used in the oil industry and is manufactured in the UAE. The UAE is committed to helping the world fight COVID-19. It has sent more than 716 tons of medical aid to 63 countries. More than 716,000 medical professionals have been assisted around the world. In April, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, donated 60 tons of urgent medical aid to the UK. The NHS has been given rent-free use of ExCel London, the conference center owned by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, which is currently NHS Nightingale. — WAM