The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-Operation praised the efforts of volunteers during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UAE.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said the role played by them during the crisis had been of “sublime humanitarian value and a major component of the social fabric between Emiratis and residents alike”.
The minister, who also serves as chairman of the Supreme National Committee for Volunteerism During Crises, said volunteering was a “hallmark of the UAE’s track record of success in confronting crises and a testament to the Emirati society’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities”.
At the height of the pandemic, thousands of volunteers worked with restaurants to deliver free meals to people who had fallen on hard times.
In Dubai, 500,000 meals were given to families, many of whom had their wages cut or lost jobs, while churches and mosques continue to support people in difficult times.
He made his comments after the committee was declared winner of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences.
"This international award is a significant achievement and adds another feather to the UAE's cap and crowns the efforts of every volunteer who has performed, and is still performing, their tasks in confronting the repercussions of Covid-19,” Sheikh Abdullah said.
“We sincerely salute each and every volunteer and dedicate this prestigious award to them in acknowledgement of their colossal efforts and to further motivate them to continue to give for the sake of humanity at large.”
Dubai's free meals drive - in pictures
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
SPECS
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The specs
Common to all models unless otherwise stated
Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi
0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster)
Power: 276hp
Torque: 392Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD
Price: TBC
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
