• President Sheikh Mohamed visits an Emirates Red Crescent event where volunteers packed essential supplies for earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria. All photos: Emirates Red Crescent
    President Sheikh Mohamed visits an Emirates Red Crescent event where volunteers packed essential supplies for earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria. All photos: Emirates Red Crescent
  • Sheikh Mohamed was joined by his sons and grandsons at the event in Abu Dhabi
    Sheikh Mohamed was joined by his sons and grandsons at the event in Abu Dhabi
  • The President witnessed the latest relief effort for those affected by the earthquake
    The President witnessed the latest relief effort for those affected by the earthquake
  • Thousands of volunteers have helped to pack vital aid bound for Turkey and Syria in recent weeks
    Thousands of volunteers have helped to pack vital aid bound for Turkey and Syria in recent weeks

President Sheikh Mohamed visits Emirates Red Crescent earthquake aid event in Abu Dhabi


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President Sheikh Mohamed made a surprise visit to the Bridges of Goodness campaign collection centre in Abu Dhabi.

The campaign, manned by volunteers and Emirates Red Crescent employees, gathers and assembles relief supplies for areas in Turkey and Syria affected by the February 6 earthquake and its aftershocks.

Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by his sons and grandsons during his visit to Mubadala Arena.

The earthquake death toll in Turkey and Syria as surpassed 50,000.

About 14 million people, or 16 per cent of Turkey's population, have been affected.

As part of Operation Gallant Knight 2, the UAE's humanitarian mission to help the quake-hit countries, it sent 194 relief flights and delivered 5,514 tonnes of aid.

An army of volunteers in the UAE have also lent a vital hand to the continuing relief effort.

  • Volunteer pack aid in Expo City Dubai on Sunday to be delivered to those impacted by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    Volunteer pack aid in Expo City Dubai on Sunday to be delivered to those impacted by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • The initiative was part of the UAE's Bridges of Giving campaign, led by Emirates Red Crescent
    The initiative was part of the UAE's Bridges of Giving campaign, led by Emirates Red Crescent
  • Volunteers turned out in force for the humanitarian event on Sunday
    Volunteers turned out in force for the humanitarian event on Sunday
  • Boxes filled with vital supplies will be delivered to quake zones in Turkey and Syria
    Boxes filled with vital supplies will be delivered to quake zones in Turkey and Syria
  • It is the latest aid effort organised under the Bridges of Giving campaign
    It is the latest aid effort organised under the Bridges of Giving campaign
  • People were happy to give their free time during the weekend to support those in need
    People were happy to give their free time during the weekend to support those in need
  • Staple goods were packed in boxes to be sent off to Turkey and Syria as part of the UAE's relief mission
    Staple goods were packed in boxes to be sent off to Turkey and Syria as part of the UAE's relief mission
  • Boxes are packed at Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City
    Boxes are packed at Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City
  • The crucial supplies will help those struggling to piece their lives together after the natural disaster
    The crucial supplies will help those struggling to piece their lives together after the natural disaster
  • An army of volunteers lent a helping hand to the humanitarian effort
    An army of volunteers lent a helping hand to the humanitarian effort

Last month, thousands of people came forward to pack aid for the needy at events held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Expo City Dubai’s exhibition centre.

Another charitable event was held later in the month at the Dubai Exhibition Centre.

Essential supplies such as dry food and warm bedding were packed into boxes in the latest relief effort organised under the UAE's Bridges of Giving campaign.

The Emirates Red Crescent gift boxes also included poignant letters of support written by children.

Updated: March 06, 2023, 9:18 AM