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

A worker holds a food pack from Dubai's Beit Al Khair Society, as part of the Ruler of Dubai's 2020 campaign to deliver 10 million meals to low income residents. This year, the campaign will expand to 100 million meals in 20 countries in the region. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National

Volunteers distribute food packages in Dubai in May 2020, as the social and economic impact of the pandemic is felt

Restaurants across the city joined the campaign to feed workers in the absence of daily Ramadan iftars at mosques and in light of job losses and salary reductions

Staff at Al Nadeg restaurant in Deira, Dubai box up fresh and dried food

This box contains biryani, laban, fruit, dates and water

Staff and workers practise social distancing

Staff at Al Nadeg in Deira prepare fresh produce for the campaign

Fresh roasted chicken is prepared for the next batch of boxes

The 10 million meals project was brought in to replace the free iftars run by mosques across the country, which were halted due to the coronavirus

Staff of Al Nadeg restaurant in Deira prepare the food to be delivered

1,000 boxes were readied for this particular camp

Roast chicken is prepared for delivery

Restaurants across the city are volunteering their kitchens and staff as part of the campaign