An Emirati aid ship carrying 2,000 tonnes of crucial relief supplies has arrived at Beirut Port as part of the “UAE Stands with Lebanon” initiative. The humanitarian mission aims to support Lebanon amid the ongoing challenges resulting from the Israel-Gaza conflict, according to UAE state news agency WAM.
Since October 4, the UAE has sent 14 aircraft – 12 to Lebanon and two to Syria – delivering a total of 2,610 tonnes of aid with this latest shipment. “The latest aid dispatched demonstrates the UAE’s solidarity with the Lebanese people during the current challenging conditions,” stated Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organisations. He added, “The ship carried 1,000 tonnes of food supplies and 1,000 tonnes of relief and shelter equipment, bringing the total aid dispatched to 2,610 tonnes.”
The UAE’s campaign is in partnership with organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the UNHCR, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Contributions from 24 Emirati organizations and thousands of volunteers have collected 1,300 tonnes of relief supplies.
A United Effort
Thousands of volunteers gathered at Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City for the second consecutive aid collection drive, packing approximately 10,000 relief kits filled with essentials like hygiene supplies, food, milk, and blankets. Organizers reported around 2,000 attendees in the event’s first two hours.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati thanked the UAE for its vital assistance in a call to President Sheikh Mohamed, who reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, and the well-being of its people. Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the need for international collaboration to protect civilians and halt hostilities in line with international law.
