UAE an unmatched example of humane services

Even as countries marked the World Humanitarian Day on Wednesday, the UAE stood out as a shining model for humanitarian activities.

The UAE has devoted this year to celebrating humanitarian workers who devoted themselves to providing aid and helping others in all parts of the world despite the exceptional and harsh conditions imposed by the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19.

This year, the occasion bears special symbolism for the UAE, which has played and continues to play a prominent role in promoting international efforts to alleviate the repercussions of the pandemic.

The UAE has presented a unique example of giving by providing hundreds of tonnes of medical supplies and development aid to dozens of countries around the world, as stated by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Water Aid Foundation, Suqia UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, once stated ‘Charity is indeed a major factor in the happiness of societies and the continuity of progress and prosperity.’

The Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, has been playing a stupendous role. It provided care to the families of those who died from COVID-19, irrespective of nationality. The gesture is part of the country’s initiative “You are among your Families”.

UAE’s compassion has touched hearts beyond borders. Humanitarian aid bridges reached more than 107 countries with urgent medical and humanitarian aid despite the challenges created by the circumstances. A fund was set up named “The Fund of the United Arab Emirates: Homeland of Humanity” to unify the national efforts to combat the virus and provided aid.

The country also played a prominent role in helping the World Health Organization, WHO, to strengthen its strategic stockpile to tackle COVID-19, and to support its efforts to continue the rapid humanitarian response to countries in need.

The organisation operates from the International Humanitarian City in Dubai as its logistical headquarters, which is a major specialised global logistics centre.

The United Nations has planned to launch a global campaign that celebrates humanitarians – to say “thank you” to the people who committed their lives to help others and publish stories of some of those inspiring heroes.

The UAE also launched several ‘’thank you’’ initiatives to pay special tribute to these real-life heroes.

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, GWU, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, FDF, has rightly stressed that humanitarian work is important, as it supports people facing difficult and dire conditions, and promotes the values of fraternity among communities around the world.

The UAE’s launching of the “10 million meals” campaign during Ramadan to support low-income families and individuals who have been affected financially by the coronavirus deserves special mention.

The nationwide initiative, a collaboration between Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and Social Solidarity Fund Against COVID-19, enabled the public, companies, businessmen, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to make financial donations towards purchasing cooked meals and food supplies or providing food items and parcels to hard-hit families and individuals.

“Together We Are Good”, a local community programme set up by Authority for Social Contribution – Ma’an in Abu Dhabi, was also launched to give the community a chance to support the Abu Dhabi Government’s efforts to address the health and economic challenges arising out of COVID-19.