Dubai welcomes travellers from Beirut with roses and a message of solidarity
More than 150 travellers from Beirut were given flowers and a message of support after arriving at Dubai International Airport yesterday.
The gifts were arranged by the passenger operations team at Dubai Customs to show support for the Lebanese people after two explosions shook Beirut last week.
White roses were given to 163 people who travelled from the city to Dubai on an Emirates flight.
They also received a message that quoted Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father. “Rebuilding Lebanon is like rebuilding the UAE,” it said.
The sense of shock over the blasts turned to anger at the weekend when people protested against the Lebanese government, calling for an end to decades of corruption and nepotism that caused the country’s economy to collapse.
Some passengers became emotional when they were presented with the flowers by Dubai Customs officers.
“They were tearing up because they felt that they have brothers and sisters in the UAE, who are standing by them,” said Humaid Al Haj, senior inspection officer at Terminal 3.
“When they hear ‘welcome to your home’, they feel relief and joy. We, in the UAE, are standing in solidarity with the Lebanese people and welcome them as they arrive here, back to their home.”
Rabih El Khoury, a Dubai resident of eight years, said he was grateful for the UAE’s support.
“In these dire times, it is incredible to see so many nations rush to help,” he said.
“As a Lebanese residing in the UAE, to witness what the government is doing for us, the least being the beautiful and compassionate welcome at the airport, is a sign of such friendship and is heart-warming.”
Samer Hamadeh, who has been living in Dubai for the past 17 years, said he was also touched by the gesture.
“I was speechless when my friend sent me the photo,” he said.
“It’s heartbreaking that millions of Lebanese will never know treatment like this in our own country.”
UAE leaders sent tonnes of aid to Lebanon after the explosions, as well as a Dh10 million donation that will support Emirates Red Crescent’s relief efforts.