Sheikh Khalifa donates aid to Lebanon

The UAE sent tens of millions of dirhams worth of aid to Lebanon on Thursday.

President Sheikh Khalifa donated 12 tonnes of medical supplies, including protective equipment to keep healthcare workers safe from coronavirus.

The aid, sent under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will support more than 10,000 medical staff in Lebanon.

State news agency Wam reported that the move was part of a series of humanitarian operations carried out by the UAE to help others tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UAE was quick to show solidarity with Lebanon and extend support to the country after the blast.

Sheikha Fatima, the Mother of the Nation, donated Dh10 million to support victims of the explosion in Beirut that killed at least 145 people and left about 300,000 without a home.

The money will go to Emirates Red Crescent’s relief project, which provides support to those affected by the disaster.

“She was quick to respond in order to limit the health problems created by the explosion that shook Beirut on Tuesday evening,” Wam reported.

Emirates Red Crescent said the donation would help to provide medical equipment that was urgently needed in the country.

Lebanon is facing “massive health challenges due to the size of the disaster and damage caused”, it said.

Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan, chairwoman of the Higher Committee for the Ataya initiative, allocated Dh5m from the proceeds of the charity exhibition held in Abu Dhabi in March for the treatment of children injured in the explosion.

The move showed the eagerness of Sheikha Shamsa, wife of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, to help young people affected by the disaster, Emirates Red Crescent said.

Dr Hamdan Al Mazrouei, chairman of the board of directors of Emirates Red Crescent, said he and his family would pledge Dh1m to support victims of the blast.

A plane carrying 43 tonnes of medical equipment took off from Dubai on Wednesday to help staff at Beirut’s hospitals treat thousands of patients.

The plane was flown free of charge on the orders of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

French President Emmanuel Macron flew to Lebanon on Thursday to offer his support during the crisis. He was met by Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun.

“Lebanon is not alone,” Mr Macron tweeted.