Coronavirus: 1,500 Adnoc staff join UAE volunteers campaign

The oil producer expects more of its employees to sign up to the programme to support efforts to fight the pandemic

Adnoc headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Reuters

More than 1,500 employees of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company have signed up as volunteers to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic in the UAE.

Adnoc said it expected more staff to join the 'UAE Volunteers' initiative launched by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

The campaign aims to use the skills of members of society for the broader effort against Covid-19.

"This is an important initiative in the UAE’s proactive approach to addressing the coronavirus situation," said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Adnoc Group chief executive in a statement carried by Wam.

"I want to thank the members of the Adnoc family, who have signed up as volunteers and encourage residents and citizens to support this cause. In doing so, we are demonstrating the UAE’s essential values of unity, inclusivity, coexistence, and humanity. By working together as a community we will come through this period stronger, more united and more resilient."

Adnoc’s volunteers will work with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority to support healthcare workers in the field, distribute vital supplies to the community and provide virtual support.

The volunteer initiative launched this month is managed by Emirates Foundation and includes government entities, voluntary groups, and the private sector.

As of Saturday, more than 8,000 volunteers in the UAE have offered their help in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

Adnoc will also distribute 10,000 kits containing personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves as well as hand sanitizers to people. In addition, over 120 of Adnoc Distribution's service stations will be used to help create awareness about health and safety precautions.

It is also offering refueling services for emergency response ambulances.

From Sunday, Adnoc will host a "virtual majlis" for UAE government leaders and global experts to discuss key issues such as how to rebuild the global and domestic economy and what the post-Covid-19 workplace should look like. The majlis will be carried on Adnoc’s social media platforms.