• Leading seaman aircrew Brendan Menz looking out the door of HMAS Choules' MRH-90 Maritime Support Helicopter over Southern New South Wales, Australia. Australian Department of Defence/EPA
    Leading seaman aircrew Brendan Menz looking out the door of HMAS Choules' MRH-90 Maritime Support Helicopter over Southern New South Wales, Australia. Australian Department of Defence/EPA
  • A sign shows the public where to unload donated goods at the Food Bank Distribution Centre bound for areas impacted by bushfires in the Glendenning suburb of Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
    A sign shows the public where to unload donated goods at the Food Bank Distribution Centre bound for areas impacted by bushfires in the Glendenning suburb of Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
  • Volunteers help help organise large donations of goods at the Food Bank Distribution Centre bound for areas impacted by bushfires in the Glendenning suburb of Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
    Volunteers help help organise large donations of goods at the Food Bank Distribution Centre bound for areas impacted by bushfires in the Glendenning suburb of Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
  • Melissa and Charlotte O'Dwyer, the wife and young daughter of Rural Fire Service volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer, farewell their husband and father during the funeral at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Horsley Park, Sydney. Getty Images
    Melissa and Charlotte O'Dwyer, the wife and young daughter of Rural Fire Service volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer, farewell their husband and father during the funeral at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Horsley Park, Sydney. Getty Images
  • RFS volunteers pay tribute at the funeral for NSW RFS volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Horsley Park, Sydney. Getty Images
    RFS volunteers pay tribute at the funeral for NSW RFS volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Horsley Park, Sydney. Getty Images
  • HMAS Adelaide operates off the coast of Eden, Australia, as fires burn during Operation Bushfire Assist. Reuters
    HMAS Adelaide operates off the coast of Eden, Australia, as fires burn during Operation Bushfire Assist. Reuters
  • A Navy officer standing on the HMAS Adelaide while a bushfire burns on the coast of Eden, NSW, Australia. Australian Department of Defence/ EPA
    A Navy officer standing on the HMAS Adelaide while a bushfire burns on the coast of Eden, NSW, Australia. Australian Department of Defence/ EPA
  • The fire damage at Flinders Chase National Park after bushfires swept through Kangaroo Island, Australia. EPA
    The fire damage at Flinders Chase National Park after bushfires swept through Kangaroo Island, Australia. EPA
  • HMAS Adelaide docked off the coast at Eden, NSW, Australia. Australian Department of Defence / EPA
    HMAS Adelaide docked off the coast at Eden, NSW, Australia. Australian Department of Defence / EPA
  • Approaching smoke from bushfires along Princes Highway between Batemans Bay and Nowra on Central Coast in Australia's New South Wales state. AFP
    Approaching smoke from bushfires along Princes Highway between Batemans Bay and Nowra on Central Coast in Australia's New South Wales state. AFP
  • Workers replacing utility poles following bushfires in the outskirts of Quaama in Australia's New South Wales state. AFP
    Workers replacing utility poles following bushfires in the outskirts of Quaama in Australia's New South Wales state. AFP

Government

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed pledges financial support to Australia as bushfires continue to rage

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi said the UAE stands together with the country in a call with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison

The National

January 08, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed pledged vital support to Australia as massive bushfires which have left a trail of death and destruction across the country continue to rage.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces said the UAE stands together with the embattled nation during a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

At least 25 people have died, millions of animals killed, thousands of home destroyed and towns evacuated as record-breaking temperatures and months of severe drought fuel fires which have been burning for months.

Sheikh Mohamed discussed the ongoing crisis and offered his sympathies over the plight of the Australian people during the call.

He reaffirmed the strong ties that exist between the Emirates and Australia and vowed to deliver crucial equipment, expertise, manpower and financial aid to help combat the fires and assist the rebuilding process still to come.

Firefighters and residents hose down trees and flying embers in an effort to secure nearby houses from bushfires near the town of Nowra. Courtesy: AFP
Firefighters and residents hose down trees and flying embers in an effort to secure nearby houses from bushfires near the town of Nowra. Courtesy: AFP

Sheikh Mohamed told Mr Morrison that Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, would serve as a point of contact with the Australian government to drive forward the UAE support programme.

Etihad Airways this week announced that it will waive all flight change fees for Australian residents affected by the devastating blazes sweeping through the country.

The national carrier has pledged to work with Emirates Red Crescent to raise funds within the UAE to help support bushfire relief.

UAE