ABU DHABI // More than Dh500 million was raised in six days to help rebuild war-torn Yemen.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and chairman of the ERC, donated Dh300 million on Friday, bringing the total to Dh502.3 million.
Launched last Sunday under the directives of the UAE leadership, the appeal seeks to help nearly 10 million people suffering as a result of the Yemen crisis. The majority of the donatons were from generous members of the public.
These contributions to the Yemen: We Care campaign were boosted by spectacular donations from companies and some individuals.
On Friday, the Dubai Islamic Humanitarian Foundation donated Dh10 million and another Dh10 million was donated by the Dubai Islamic Bank. Meanwhile, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Emaar Properties each donated Dh5 million.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank donated Dh2 million, Etisalat donated Dh3 million, and Sultan bin Khalifa Humanitarian and Scientific Foundation donated Dh500,000.
Cash donations were collected at the Abu Dhabi TV News Centre, where they hosted well-known figures and officials from the Emirates Red Crescent.
Financial contributions were also made by SMS or through the purchase of coupons from ERC kiosks in shopping malls.
More than 15,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid have been sent to Yemen, including nine relief ships and land convoys through Saudi Arabia.
Yemeni president Abdrabu Mansur Hadi, in turn, thanked the UAE Government and people for the humanitarian initiative.
”I present my utmost thanks and gratitude to the UAE leadership and people for their sincere stand with the Yemeni people in this ordeal,” he said. “The people of the UAE and the sons of Zayed are no strangers to the Yemen: We Care campaign. Good springs forth from the land of good.”
The ERC’s efforts will also include the refurbishment of medical facilities – including five large hospitals and nine clinics – and 40 water wells in Aden, which serve 450,000 people, so that the population has clean drinking water.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
