Page 2 - Al-Rashed Newsletter April 2021

CEO'S OUTLOOK

The Holy Month of Ramadan is upon us with the grace of the Almighty. During this holy month, Muslims
worldwide practice spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship.

While in prayers, we must ensure that we remain safe and maintain all COVID protocols. The latest wave of
the virus is a stark example of us taking things for granted. Things like the air we breathe, which we took for
granted, have now become a prized possession.

But when the going gets tough, humanity gets going. People coming together, reaching out, giving to those
in need. At times like this, we realize that even money in the bank doesn't even have the value of the paper
it is printed on; if it cannot help us and save our lives, it is health that matters.

India, the worst affected, is adding on a million new cases every 3 days. While people flock in hospitals,
lacking beds, oxygen cylinders, injections, medicines and other requirements, the whole medical system is
beyond the maximum capacity and severe strain. People die in front of hospitals, devoid of the one thing
that was always seemed to be in abundance- oxygen. Then we see a face of rising humanity. People,
corporates, NGOs all work round the clock so that people get what they need. This is also the time when we
see the hoarders and black market sales take people for granted.

I pray to Almighty to reduce the impact of the pandemic on India and the world.

Wishing you a blessed Ramadan and a safe year ahead!

RAVI VARRIER