UAE’s Lebanon Donation Drive Collects Dh110 Million in First Week

UAE Raises Dh110 Million for Lebanon Relief in First Week of Donation Drive

The United Arab Emirates’ humanitarian effort to support war-torn Lebanon has grossed more than 110 million dirhams ($30 million) in its first week, officials announced Monday.

The two-week UAE Stands with Lebanon campaign – which began on October 8 at the behest of President Sheikh Mohammed – was established to show solidarity with the Lebanese people during the Israeli military’s ground invasion and airstrikes.

More than 2,300 people have been killed in Lebanon since October 7 last year, while around a million civilians have been displaced by the escalating violence.

The public is invited to make financial pledges through the website of the government’s charity Emirates Red Crescent and several UAE banks affiliated with the campaign.

Aid events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai at the weekend saw thousands of people carry 450 tonnes of essential supplies to the war-ravaged people of Lebanon.

A large number of volunteers flocked to the Dubai Exhibition Center in Dubai Expo City on Saturday and the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal on Sunday morning to support Lebanon.

Organizers said more than 8,000 people lent a helping hand at both events, filling 20,000 packages for the donation drive, which runs until Monday, October 21.

Emirates Red Crescent opened donation centers on Friday in various locations including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Dhafra, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Al Ain City.

Around 375 tons of supplies have already been sent from the UAE to Lebanon in nine aid flights this month.

UAE Stands With Lebanon to provide humanitarian relief package worth $100 million to the country. Wam reports that the philanthropic campaign has received support from the wider community, including businesses.

Last Monday, Sheikh Mohammed donated 30 million dollars to support Lebanese citizens displaced in Syria. More than 200,000 Lebanese have fled across the border to escape Israeli airstrikes, the UN says.

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – was given a spectacular display of support on Monday illuminated by a projection of the Lebanese flag.

The slogan ‘UAE Stands with Lebanon’ was written in Arabic and English as a tribute to the people of Lebanon and to urge the public to continue to support the ongoing charity effort.