132 nationalities take part in ‘UAE Volunteers’ drive
DUBAI: The “UAE Volunteers” national campaign was very popular with UAE citizens and residents alike, who competed to fulfil the call of duty by volunteering in 125 opportunities; 98 field and 27 virtual opportunities remotely, as the number of volunteers enrolled in the campaign within a month of its launch reached more than 18,740 volunteers belonging to more than 132 nationalities residing in the UAE.
The number of resident volunteers supporting the national efforts made by our soldiers in the first line of defense to confront the spread of “COVID-19” reached more than 13,170 volunteers residing in the UAE, in addition to 5,555 volunteers from citizens.
According to the data of the National Volunteer Campaign, the Emirati volunteers topped the list with 30 per cent of the attending and most participating volunteers in the “UAE Volunteers” campaign with 5,555 volunteers, followed by resident volunteers of Indian nationality with a total of 2,010 volunteers, and the Egyptian community with 1,837 volunteers, and those with the Syrian nationality made up 1,319 volunteers, while the Pakistani nationality equaled 977 volunteers, as well as 753 Jordanian volunteers, 634 Sudanese volunteers, 564 Yemeni volunteers, 535 Palestinian volunteers and 496 volunteers from Philippines. The numbers of volunteers from the rest of residing nationals in the UAE differ in numbers.
The Emirati Hamad Nasser Al-alawi expressed his happiness with joining the “UAE Volunteers” initiative, saying, “I am a volunteer in more than one line, as I sensed that I must fulfil the call of the nation. Volunteering is a humanitarian action that serves our people and our precious society, and fieldwork reflects the reality we live in amidst these challenges. This experience has changed many of my concepts such as the importance of health and education in our lives. I would like to thank all those in charge of this initiative as the precautionary measures imposed on ground have supported us to continue our work and united our efforts to face these challenges that we will overcome together, God willing.” Sankir Srikumar, a resident of Indian nationality, said of his experience, “Volunteering in the “UAE Volunteers” initiative has allowed me to work in field hospitals and it has given me a sense of purpose since it is the ideal way to support society and the great UAE during these difficult times. Contributing to facing the current challenges is a very noble goal.”
Dr Hossam Muhareb, a Syrian resident and a medical intern, stated, “I work as a volunteer doctor at surveying centres in Dubai. I was keen to volunteer to serve the community and my love for giving motivated me to do this work under these exceptional circumstances.”