Sheikh Abdullah thanks volunteers who stepped in to help during pandemic

Foreign Minister says people of all nationalities had banded together in the most challenging of times

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, has praised the work of volunteers in the UAE. Wam

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-Operation praised the efforts of volunteers during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UAE.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said the role played by them during the crisis had been of “sublime humanitarian value and a major component of the social fabric between Emiratis and residents alike”.

The minister, who also serves as chairman of the Supreme National Committee for Volunteerism During Crises, said volunteering was a “hallmark of the UAE’s track record of success in confronting crises and a testament to the Emirati society’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities”.

At the height of the pandemic, thousands of volunteers worked with restaurants to deliver free meals to people who had fallen on hard times.

In Dubai, 500,000 meals were given to families, many of whom had their wages cut or lost jobs, while churches and mosques continue to support people in difficult times.

He made his comments after the committee was declared winner of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences.

"This international award is a significant achievement and adds another feather to the UAE's cap and crowns the efforts of every volunteer who has performed, and is still performing, their tasks in confronting the repercussions of Covid-19,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

“We sincerely salute each and every volunteer and dedicate this prestigious award to them in acknowledgement of their colossal efforts and to further motivate them to continue to give for the sake of humanity at large.”

Dubai's free meals drive - in pictures