A new survey from Snap Inc. shows how people in the UAE are remaining informed about the COVID-19 pandemic, and what they are doing to remain in touch with family and friends in the course of this difficult time.

Generally, more than four in five (87%) Snapchatters in the UAE feel better prepared to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19 than they did previous month. Identically, people do seem to be mindful of averting misinformation about COVID-19. The Snapchat user survey reveals that 54% of UAE public are becoming official government sources for information on the outbreak, more so than TV news sources (26%) or even family and friends (25%).

Further being well informed, many Snapchatters appear to be utilizing the time spent at home for personal development. More than half (61%) say they are taking care of themselves through self-care activities, while 43% are taking online classes, 42% are working on physical fitness, and 41% are looking to learn a new skill.

Moreover, people are looking ways to retain their mental health even with the outbreak of COVID-19. When asked what is assisting them the most to keep calm in this challenging time, more than half (57%) cite being connected with family and friends, while 47% say playing video games and 23% say meditating or working out. The significance of relationships is so valued that, when asked about any positive results of the present situation, the most common response is spending a good time with family.

That sentiment also takes over to Snapchat itself. Nearly half (41%) of local Snapchatters are now making use of the app more than earlier to be in touch with family and friends, compared to 36% making more video calls and 32% making more phone calls.

Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc., Middle East, stated that, While communities throughout the UAE are properly practicing social distancing due to COVID-19, we all still have an actual need for close personal relationships in our lives. By knowing how people are deciding to connect and express themselves, we can make it simpler for them to share reliable information about COVID-19, and to have meaningful connections with their family, friends, and co-workers even when theyre far apart."

In present weeks, Snapchat has rolled out new features and content to assist communities in the UAE deal with the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently the company is working with the most trusted news organizations in the region and the World Health Organization (WHO) to publish regular updates about COVID-19, to answer community questions, and to curate stories across subjects such as working from home, staying fit, and so on. Using the power of the mobile camera, a string of new Lenses which includes one launched in partnership with the United Nations Foundations COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund in support of the WHO - Bitmoji stickers, and other creative tools also leverage augmented reality to assist people spread awareness in the rapid and most engaging way possible.