Abu Dhabi to host further Lebanon aid drive on Tuesday

Charitable event will be fifth held across the Emirates in support of besieged country

Aid for Lebanon being packed by volunteers at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. All photos: Antonie Robertson/The National

People of various nationalities helped to pack goods given to the relief programme

The campaign aims to show solidarity with Lebanese people facing an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis against a backdrop of Israeli air strikes

UAE residents have been more than generous, providing essential items including food, medical supplies, hygiene products, milk powder, blankets, jackets and shoes

From the early hours, long queues of people - UAE nationals, residents, and volunteers - could be seen at Cruise Terminal 1 to collect and pack relief supplies, including blankets, clothing, hygiene items and other essentials

The support for displaced Lebanese citizens in Syria is part of the UAE's continued efforts to help the Lebanese people overcome current challenges

Suhair, Elyazia, Talia and Leen from Lebanon helped to pack goods given to the relief programme, which is being run by Emirates Red Crescent

More than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since October 8 last year, with more than half of those deaths in the past two weeks alone

Donation centres opened on Friday at sites across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Dhafra, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Al Ain City

The aid-packing event was organised from 9am to 1pm at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal

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The UAE will hold a fifth aid collection event in support of Lebanon next week as a major humanitarian campaign in solidarity with the war-hit country gathers pace.

The charitable initiative will be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on Tuesday, from 3pm to 7pm. It is the second such event to be hosted at the venue under the UAE Stands with Lebanon campaign, which began on October 8.

A second aid packing event is taking place at Expo City Dubai on Sunday, while thousands turned out in force at Expo Centre Sharjah on Saturday. Hundreds of tonnes of essential supplies – including food, medicine and clothing – have been prepared so far.

On Monday, the UAE sent another aircraft loaded with 40 tonnes of critical relief aid for Lebanon. It included medical and food supplies, shelter equipment and other essentials, state news agency Wam reported.

“Emirati donor associations will continue to support the Lebanese people, until their difficult days are over,” said Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, assistant minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations.

The UAE is delivering crucial support to Lebanon as it faces deadly air strikes from Israel. More than 2,400 people have been killed in Lebanon as a result of the conflict since October 8, 2023, while more than one million citizens have been displaced.

Dr Hamdan Al Mazrouei, chairman of the board of directors at Emirates Red Crescent, the humanitarian arm of the UAE government, said the Emirates remained committed to providing assistance to those in need around the world.

“The UAE continues its humanitarian and charitable work in various countries around the world with a view to ensure security and stability,” Mr Al Mazrouei said, in remarks shared by state news agency Wam. “This is based on the great legacy left behind by the founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”

The UAE Stands With Lebanon initiative, directed by President Sheikh Mohamed, raised more than Dh110 million ($30 million) in its first week.

For more information on how to donate money and vital supplies, visit the Emirates Red Crescent website here.